With Gladness

William Dix loved to write poetry, even during a lifetime often focused on the business world. Born in Bristol, England, in 1837, he once managed a marine insurance company in Glasgow, Scotland. Yet, as a believer, he used his passion for words to compose many hymns.

One day in 1860, as he lay sick in bed, Dix passed the time reading about the wise men and their visit to the baby Jesus. He was so moved that he fought through his illness to write a hymn.

He described how these wise men reacted to this baby, sensing that their hearts were filled “with gladness.” How it was with joy that they followed “the guiding star” that led them onward.

Dix realized that their experience symbolized the journey each of us must take. Just as God led these men by the star, we, too, need to know His leading. He prayed that we would “with willing feet ever seek Thy mercy seat” and offer Jesus our “costliest treasures.”

He prayed that someday each of us would spend eternity with Jesus “when earthly things are past, bring our ransomed souls at last where they need no star to guide, where no clouds Thy glory hide.” There, in his presence, we will need “no created light” for there will be “sun which goes not down; there forever may we sing Alleluias to our King!”

During this season, allow your heart to be filled with gladness. Consider all that Jesus has done for you. Commit your life to Him. And make sure that you focus on Him!