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 your splendour see.

As with joyful steps they sped
Saviour, to your lowly bed,
there to bend the knee before
you, whom heaven and earth adore:
so with ever-quickening pace
may we seek your throne of grace.

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 your glory hide.

In the heavenly city bright
none shall need created light
you, its light, its joy, its crown,
you its sun which goes not down;
there for ever may we sing
alleluias to our king.

© Jubilate Hymns Ltd

“As with Gladness Men of Old” was written by William Chatterton Dix in1859, while he was ill in bed. It was was written as an Epiphany hymn and first published in Hymns of Love and Joy, in 1867. The music was written by Konrad Kocher in 1838.