As In Eastern Lands Afar

For the Epiphany, January 6

Words: Anonymous

Music: Not Stated

Source: Holy Song For All Seasons (London: Bell and Daldy, 1869), #83, pp. 30-31.

“And lo, the star which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was."

1. As in Eastern lands afar
Wise men saw the wondrous star;
As in it they traced Thy hand,
Guiding them from land to land;
So, in all Thy dealings still,
Lord, may we discern Thy will;
Nor, when Thou our steps would guide,
In our blindness turn aside.

2. As the heavenly beacon shone,
Leading still their footsteps on,
Till it stay’d its hovering ray
Where the holy Infant lay;
So may every guiding beam
That shall through our darkness gleam,
When the weary way is past,
To the Saviour lead at last.

3. As the wise men, filled with awe,
When the heavenly Babe they saw,
Bending low, with reverent hand,
Gave the best gilfits of their land;
So may we, as Thou hast blest,
Gladly give Thee of our best,
And in joyful reverence bring
Every holy offering.

4. Lord, ourselves we offer now. --
Poor the gift, yet scorn not Thou;
Keep us till Thine angel bright,
Like a star, all clothed in light,
Leads us through death’s midnight skies
To the light of Paradise,
There Thy glorious face to see,
Shining overlastingly. Amen.

Note.

This anonymous hymn is said to be in imitation of As, With Gladness, Men Of Old. Source: John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology. Second Revised Edition with New Supplement. (1892, 1907), p. 86.

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