19. Christians, awake! salute the happy morn

1 Christians, awake! salute the happy morn
Whereon the Saviour of the world 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.

2 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.'

3 He spake; and straightaway the celestial choir
In hymns of joy, unknown before, conspire;
The praises of redeeming love they sang,
And heaven’s whole orb with alleluias rang;
God’s highest glory was their anthem still,
Peace upon earth, and unto men good will.

4 To Bethlehem straight the enlightened shepherds ran,
To see the wonder God had wrought for man,
And found, with Joseph and the blessèd Maid,
Her Son, the Saviour, in a manger laid;
Amazed, the wondrous story they proclaim,
The first apostles of his infant fame.

5 Like Mary, let us ponder in our mind
God’s wondrous love in saving lost mankind;
Trace we the Babe, who has retrieved our loss,
From his poor manger to his bitter Cross;
Treading his steps, assisted by his grace,
Till man’s first heavenly state again takes place.

6 Then may we hope, the angelic thrones 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.

Text Information
First Line: Christians, awake! salute the happy morn
Author: John Byrom, 1692-1763
Language: English
Publication Date: 1958
Topic: The Church Year: Christmas
Tune Information
Name: YORKSHIRE
Composer: John Wainwright, c. 1723 - 68
Meter: 10 10, 10 10, 10 10.
Key: C Major



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