24. 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 th’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 fulfill'd 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 heav’n’s whole orb with Alleluias rang;
God’s highest glory was their anthem still,
Peace upon earth, and unto men good will.

4 Let us, like these good shepherds, then employ
Our grateful voices to proclaim the joy;
Trace we the Babe, Who hath retrieved our loss,
From His poor manger to His bitter cross,
Treading His steps, assisted by His grace,
Till man’s first heav’nly state again takes place.

5 Then may we hope, th’angelic hosts among,
To sing, redeem'd, 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
Of angels and of angel-men the King.

Amen.

Text Information
First Line: Christians, awake, salute the happy morn
Author: John Byrom (1750. a)
Language: English
Publication Date: 1917
Topic: The Church Year: Christmas
Tune Information
Name: YORKSHIRE
Composer: John Wainwright (c. 1749)
Meter: 10 10, 10 10, 10 10
Key: D Major



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