As with Gladness
Choir and Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 to thee.
As with joyful steps they sped
To that lowly manger 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
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 Jesu, 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 Alleluyas to our King.
The lyrics of "As with Gladness" describe the journey of the wise men to the birthplace of Jesus, their reverence for him, and their offering of precious gifts. It is also a prayer, asking God to guide and lead us throughout our lives, and to help us bring our own offerings to Christ.
The first verse talks about how the men of old, filled with gladness, followed the guiding star that led them to Jesus. Just as they were led by the bright star, the lyrics ask God to graciously guide us always towards Him. The guiding star is symbolic of divine guidance, showing the way to salvation and enlightenment.
In the second verse, the lyrics depict the wise men quickly and eagerly making their way to the humble manger where Jesus was born. They kneel before Him in reverence, acknowledging His divine authority and worshiping Him. The lyrics then express the desire for us to follow their example, seeking God with willing hearts and feet, always desiring to be in His presence.
The third verse highlights the gifts the wise men offered to Jesus as a sign of their devotion and acknowledgment of His kingship. The manger where Jesus lay was a simple and ordinary place, but the wise men brought forth their most valuable treasures. The lyrics express the longing for us to offer our own most precious possessions to Jesus with joyful hearts, free from the stain of sin, recognizing Him as our heavenly King.
The final verse of the song is a prayer to Jesus, asking Him to keep us on the righteous path every day. The lyrics acknowledge that earthly things will eventually fade away, but the ultimate goal is to have our souls redeemed and brought to the heavenly country where no external light is needed, for Jesus Himself is the eternal Light, Joy, and Crown of that heavenly realm. The lyrics conclude by expressing the desire to forever sing praises to our King, Jesus, in that heavenly place.
Overall, the lyrics of "As with Gladness" celebrate the journey of the wise men to Jesus, while also serving as a prayer for guidance, devotion, and ultimate redemption in the presence of our heavenly King.
Line by Line Meaning
As with gladness men of old
Just like the men in the past experienced happiness
Did the guiding star behold
When they saw the star that showed them the way
As with joy they hailed its light
They celebrated and welcomed the light of the star
Leading onward, beaming bright
Guiding them forward with its radiant brightness
So, most gracious God, may we
Therefore, O generous God, may we
Evermore be led to thee.
Always be guided towards you.
As with joyful steps they sped
As they hurried along with joyful strides
To that lowly manger bed
Towards the humble bed in the manger
There to bend the knee before Thee whom heaven and earth adore
To bow down and worship before You, whom both heaven and earth revere
So may we with willing feet
Therefore, may we with eager willingness
Ever seek thy mercy-seat.
Always strive to find your merciful presence.
As they offered gifts most rare
Just as they presented their precious gifts
At that manger rude and bare
In that humble and simple manger
So may we with holy joy
Therefore, may we with sacred happiness
Pure, and free from sin's alloy
In a state of purity, unaffected by the impurities of sin
All our costliest treasures bring Christ, to thee, our heavenly King.
Offering all our most valuable possessions to Christ, who is our divine King.
Holy Jesu, every day
Holy Jesus, on each and every day
Keep us in the narrow way
Guide and guard us on the righteous path
And, when earthly things are past
And, when earthly matters have passed away
Bring our ransomed souls at last
Finally bring our redeemed souls
Where they need no star to guide
To a place where they do not require a star for guidance
Where no clouds thy glory hide.
Where no clouds obscure your glorious presence.
In the heavenly country bright
In the bright heavenly realm
Need they no created light
They do not need any artificial light
Thou its Light, its Joy, its Crown
You are the Light, the Joy, and the Crown of that place
Thou its Sun which goes not down
You are the Sun that never sets
There forever may we sing
May we sing there eternally
Alleluyas to our King.
Hallelujahs to our King.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Bob Chilcott
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Dolf Robz
May the Lord always bless the humble servants of the Tabernacle Choir! Women and men of super talents! They bring faith, hope, and love! The desire to follow Christ and obey Him! Thank SO much!
Rodrigo Lopez
WONDERFUL
EGION BIRD
Love this Choir
WHWrooolz
Is there a copy of the orchestra score for this arrangement I could look at? I really enjoy this
JOSEPH PETERSON
How does this video only recieve 2 comments?! It's ridiculous!
Kirk Johnson
First comment
John Webb
President Nelson gave a talk in the October 2016 General Conference entitled "Joy and Spiritual Survival" that goes along with this hymn. In fact, this hymn immediately followed this particular talk. You can find it at https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2016/10/joy-and-spiritual-survival?lang=eng