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 be led by 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 thy mercy seat as they offered gifts most rare at thy 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 forever may we sing hallelujahs to our king 