William Chatterton Dix (1837–1898)

AS with gladness men of old

Did the guiding star behold,

As with joy they hail’d 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 Heav’n and earth adore;

So may we with willing feet

Ever seek Thy mercy-seat.

As they offer’d gifts most rare

At Thy cradle 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 ransom’d souls at last

Where they need no star to guide,

Where no clouds Thy glory hide.

In the Heav’nly 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.