As With Gladness Men of Old - Traditional

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 Lord, may we
Evermore be led to Thee.

As with joyful steps they sped
To that lowly manger-bed,
There to bend the knee before
Him whom heaven and earth adore,
So may we with willing feet
Ever seek the mercy-seat.

As they offered gifts most rare
At that manger rude and bare,
So may we with holy joy,
Pure and free from sin's alloy,
All our costliest treasures bring,
Christ, to Thee, our heavenly King.

Holy Jesus, every day
Keep us in the narrow way;
And, when earthly things are past,
Bring our ransomed souls at last
Where they need no star to guide,
Where no clouds Thy glory hide.

In the heavenly country bright
Need they no created light;
Thou its light, its joy, its crown,
Thou its sun which goes not down;
There for ever may we sing
Alleluias to our King.

As With Gladness Men of Old lyrics focus on the dedication of the Wise Men as they followed the star to find the infant Jesus. The song encourages the faithful to seek the Savior with the same persistence and joy offering their own lives as a treasure to the Lord. It is a staple of the Epiphany season emphasizing that the light of Christ is available to all who seek it. By singing these lyrics the congregation reflects on the true meaning of gift-giving and the spiritual journey toward the Light of the World finding inspiration in the ancient story of the star-led seekers.