197. Christians, Awake!

1 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.

2 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 upon earth;
this day hath God fulfilled his promised word;
this day is born a Savior, Christ the Lord."

3 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 upon earth and unto all good-will."

4 O may we keep and ponder in our mind
God's wondrous love in saving human-kind.
Trace we the Babe, who hath retrieved on loss,
from his poor manger to his bitter cross;
tread in his steps, assisted by his grace
till our first heav'nly state again takes place.

5 Then may we hope th'angelic thrones among
to sing, redeemed, a glad triumphal song;
he that was born upon that 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.

Text Information
First Line: Christians, awake! Salute the happy morn
Title: Christians, Awake!
Author: John Byrom (1749)
Meter: 10 10.10 10.10 10
Language: English
Publication Date: 1985
Scripture: ;
Tune Information
Name: STOCKPORT
Composer: John Wainwright (1750)
Meter: 10 10.10 10.10 10
Key: C Major



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