As With Gladness - Christmas Carols

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, 
Saviour, to Thy lowly bed; 
There to bend the knee before 
Thee, whom heaven and earth adore. 
So may we with willing feet 
Ever seek the mercy seat. 

As they offered gifts most rare 
At the cradle, rude and bare; 
So may we with holy joy, 
Pure, and free from sins 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 
Hallelujahs to our King!