278. 'Wake, awake! for night is flying'

1 'Wake, awake! for night is flying',
the watchmen on the heights are crying.
'Awake, Jerusalem, at last!'
Midnight hears the welcome voices,
and at the thrilling cry rejoices:
'Come forth, you virgins, night is past!
The Bridegroom comes; awake,
your lamps with gladness take,
Alleluia!
and for his marriage feast prepare,
for ye must go and meet him there.'

2 Zion hears the watchmen singing,
and all her heart with joy is springing;
she wakes, she rises from her gloom;
for the Lord comes down all-glorious,
the strong in grace, in truth victorious;
her Star is risen, her Light is come!
Now come, O blessèd One,
God's own belovèd Son,
Alleluia!
We follow to the festal hall
to sup with you, the Lord of all.

3 All the heavens and earth adore you,
and saints and angels sing before you,
with harp and cymbal's clearest tone;
Zion's gates of pearl before us
resound as angels sing in chorus
and lead us to your dazzling throne.
No mortal eye nor ear
can comprehend or bear
such great glory;
but we rejoice and sing the song,
Alleluia! through ages long.

Text Information
First Line: 'Wake, awake! for night is flying'
Translator: Catherine Winkworth (1827-1878) (alt.)
Author: Philipp Nicolai (1556-1608)
Meter: 898 D 66 4 88
Language: English
Publication Date: 2008
Scripture: ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;
Topic: Christ Incarnate: Promise of the Messiah; Christ Risen: Coming Again; Angels (1 more...)
Tune Information
Name: WACHET AUF
Composer: Philipp Nicolai (1556-1608)
Arranger: Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)
Meter: 898 D 66 4 88
Key: C Major
Source: St Paul, 1836, adapted



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