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.