Christians, Awake, Salute the Happy Morn

VERSE 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.

VERSE 2

Then to the watchful shepherds it was told,
who heard the angelic herald’s voice: Behold,
I bring good tidings of a Savior’s birth
to you and all the nations on the earth:
this day hath God fulfilled his promised word,
this day is born a Savior, Christ the Lord.

VERSE 3

He spake, and straightway the celestial choir
in hymns of joy, unknown before, conspire;
the praises of redeeming love they sang,
and heaven's whole orb with Hallelujahs rang,
God’s highest glory was their anthem still,
peace on the earth, and unto men goodwill.

VERSE 4

To Bethlehem straight the happy shepherds ran,
to see the wonder God had wrought for man;
Then to their flocks, still praising God, return,
And their glad hearts, with holy rapture burn;
Amazed, the wondrous tidings they proclaim,
The first apostles of His infant fame

VERSE 5

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 the bitter cross.
Tread in his steps, assisted by his grace,
till man's first heavenly state again takes place.

VERSE 6

Then may we hope, the angelic 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 heaven’s almighty King.