Songs Of Hope - Sing We Now Of ChristmasExemplo

As with Gladness Men of Old

The Magi Visit Jesus

William Chatterton Dix was ill and in bed on January 6th, 1859. He was too sick to work, but not too sick to read. For diversion, he read the scripture selection for the day. It was Epiphany, and the text was the story of the Magi’s visit to the infant Jesus (Matthew 2:1-12).

He had time to rest and to think, and the story kept running through his mind. As he dozed and woke, and these verses took shape in his thoughts. By the end of the day, the hymn was complete. (Dix was ill for an extended time, and wrote several hymns in a similar manner, including What Child is This.)

Dix was the son of a surgeon, a layman and an author. Not a clergyman. Some writers wonder if he identified with the Magi as outsiders. They were Gentiles entering into a very Jewish story. Once strangers to the covenant, they were now included in the story of God’s great love revealed in Jesus.

The Magi’s actions and manner are admirable and exemplary. They are worthy of imitation.

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
To that lowly manger bed
There to bend the knee before
Him whom heav’n and earth adore
So may we with willing feet
Ever seek Thy mercy seat

As they offered gifts most rare
At that manger 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 heav'nly King

They gladly follow God’s leadership. So may we. They joyfully find their way to Jesus and bow in worship. So may we. They offer costly treasures to the child. So may we.

So may we. So may we.

Dr. Shawn Shannon
Director, Baptist Student Ministry
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor