Christians Awake

Christians awake! Salute the happy morn, Whereon the Saviour of mankind was born; Rise to adore the mystery of love Which hosts of angels chanted from above; With them the joyful tidings first begun Of God Incarnate and the Virgin’s Son.

Then to the watchful shepherds it was told, Who heard the angelic herald’s voice ‘Behold, I bring good tidings of a Saviour’s birth To you and all the nations upon earth:This day hath God fulfilled His promised word, This day is born a Saviour, Christ the Lord.’

He spake; and straightway the celestial choir In hymns of joy unknown before conspire; High praise of God’s redeeming love they sang, And heaven’s whole orb with hallelujahs rang; God’s highest glory was their anthem still,‘On earth be peace, and unto men goodwill.’

O may we keep and ponder in our mind God’s wondrous love in saving lost mankind; Trace we the Babe who hath retrieved our loss, From His poor manger to His bitter cross; Tread in His steps, assisted by His grace, Till man’s first heavenly state again takes place.

Then may we hope, the angelic hosts among, To sing, redeemed, a glad triumphant song:He that was born upon this joyful day Around us all His glory shall display; Saved by His love, incessant we shall sing Eternal praise to heaven’s almighty King.