As with Gladness Men of Old
As with gladness men of old
The hymn celebrates the Epiphany as the revelation of Christ's glory to the Gentiles, emphasizing that Jesus is the true light and treasure of all nations. It connects Old Testament anticipation with New Testament fulfillment, presenting Christ as the fulfillment of universal human longing and worship.
History & Background
Written by William Chatterton Dix in 1860, this hymn was first published in his collection "Hymns of Love and Joy." It has become one of the most beloved English hymns for Epiphany observance in Lutheran and Anglican traditions.
Inspired by the Epiphany gospel, Matthew 1:1-11, William C. Scripture References Dix (b. Bristol, England, 1837; d. Cheddar, Somerset, England, st. 1-3 = Matt. 1:1-12 1898) wrote this text in 1858 while recuperating from illness. st. 4-5 = Rev. 21:23 The text was first published in A. H. Ward’s Hymns for Public Rev. 22:5 Worship and Private Devotion (1860). The following year it was published in both Dix’s Hymns ofLove andJoy and Hymns Ancient and Modern. Taking Matthew 1:1-11 as his theme for stanzas 1-3, Dix likens the journey of the wise men who came to worship the Christ to our own Christian pilgrimage. The pattern of these stanzas is “as they... so may we.” Stanzas 4 and 5 are a prayer that our journey on the “narrow way” may bring us finally to glory where Christ is the light (Rev. 21:23) and where we may perfectly sing his praise. Most British hymn writers in the nineteenth century were clergymen, but Dix was a notable exception. Trained in the business world, he became the manager of a marine insurance company in Glasgow, Scotland. Dix published various volumes of his hymns, such as Hymns ofLove andJoy (1861) and Altar Songs: Verses on the Holy Eucharist (1867). A number of his texts were first published in Hymns Ancient and Modern (1861). In addition to the two printed in the Psalter Hymnal (also 406), another popular hymn by Dixis “What Child Is This.”
Hymnal Appearances
- Baptist Hymnal — 95
- Chalice Hymnal — 173
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 308
- Glory to God — 151
- The Hymnal 1982 — 119
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 82
- Lutheran Service Book — 397
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 76
- Lutheran Worship — 75
- Psalter Hymnal — 358
- Trinity Hymnal — 225
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 127
- Voices Together — 227
Liturgical Use
Epiphany; Christmas season.
Bulletin Note
Written by William Chatterton Dix in 1860, this Epiphany hymn proclaims Christ as the fulfillment of longing in every nation. The tune DIX, composed for this text, captures the pilgrim's journey toward the Savior's light.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies pure Gospel: the revelation of Christ's glory draws willing hearts to worship without condemnation, showing how the light of the Incarnation awakens joy and devotion in all peoples.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From seeking Christ through faith's journey (Law) to eternal communion in heavenly light (Gospel), moving from earthly pilgrimage to eschatological fulfillment
Themes
Epiphany and revelation Worship and adoration Christ as light of nations Guided by faith Treasures and gifts