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