Christians, Awake

Christians, awake, salute the happy morn,

whereon the Savior of the world was born;

rise to adore the mystery of love,

which hosts of angels chanted from above;

with them the joyful tidings were begun

of God incarnate and the virgin's Son.

Then to the watchful shepherds it was told,

who heard th'angelic herald's voice: "Behold,

I bring good tidings of a Savior's birth

to you and all the nations of the earth;

this day hath God fulfilled His promised word;

this day is born a Savior, Christ the Lord."

He spake, and straightway the celestial choir

in hymns of joy, unknown before, conspire;

the praises of redeeming love they sang,

and heav'n's whole orb with alleluias rang;

God's highest glory was their anthem still,

peace on the earth, and unto men good will.

To Bethl'hem straight the happy shepherds ran,

to see the wonder God had wrought for man;

and found, with Joseph and the blessed maid,

her Son, the Savior, in a manger laid;

amazed, the wondrous story they proclaim,

the earliest heralds of the Savior's name.

Oh, 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 our imperfect state God doth replace.

Then may we hope, th'angelic hosts among,

to sing, redeemed, a glad triumphal 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 heav'n's almighty King.