1 As with gladness men of old
Did the guiding star behold;
As with joy they hailed its light,
Leading onward, beaming bright;
So, most gracious God, may we
Evermore your splendor see.
2 As with joyful steps they sped
To that lowly cradle bed,
There to bend the knee before
Christ whom heav'n and earth adore;
So may we with willing feet
Ever seek your mercy seat.
3 As they offered gifts most rare
At that cradle plain and bare;
So may we with holy joy,
Pure, and free from sin's alloy,
All our costliest treasures bring,
Christ, to you, our heav'nly King.
4 Holy Jesus, ev'ry day
Keep us in the narrow way;
And, when mortal things are past,
Bring our ransomed souls at last
Where they need no star to guide,
Where no clouds your glory hide.
5 In that glorious city bright
none shall need created light;
your its Light, its Joy, its Crown,
your its Sun which goes not down;
There forever may we sing
Alleluias to our King.
