Church Hymnary (4th ed.) ‎#278

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'
• Author: Philipp Nicolai (1556-1608)
• Translator: Catherine Winkworth (1827-1878) (alt.)
• Meter: 898 D 66 4 88
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2005
• Scripture:
  1 Corinthians 2:9
  ;
  Ephesians 5:14
  ;
  Isaiah 52:1
  ;
  Isaiah 52:8
  ;
  Isaiah 60:1
  ;
  Isaiah 62:5-6
  ;
  Isaiah 64:4
  ;
  Matthew 25:1-13
  ;
  Revelation 5:11-13
  ;
  Revelation 21:2
  ;
  Revelation 21:21
  ;
  Revelation 22:7
  ;
  Revelation 22:16
  ;
  Revelation 22:20
  ;
  Romans 13:11-12
• Topic: Christ Incarnate: Promise of the Messiah; Christ Risen: Coming Again; Angels; Jesus: Names and images for

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