Hymns for Today's Church (2nd ed.) ‎#199

199. Wake, O wake, and sleep no longer

1 Wake, O wake, and sleep no longer,
for he who calls you is no stranger:
awake, God's own Jerusalem!
Hear, the midnight bells are chiming
the signal for his royal coming:
let voice to voice announce his name!
We feel his footsteps near,
the Bridegroom at the door —
Alleluia! The lamps will shine with light divine
as Christ the saviour comes to reign.

2 Zion hears the sound of singing;
her heart is thrilled with sudden longing;
she stirs, and wakes, and stands prepared.
Christ her friend, and lord, and lover,
her star and sun and strong redeemer —
at last his mighty voice is heard.
The Son of God has come
To make with us his home:
sing Hosanna! The fight is won,
the feast begun;
we fix our eyes on Christ alone.

3 Glory, glory, sing the angels,
while music sounds from strings and cymbals;
all humankind, with songs arise!
Twelve the gates into the city,
each one a pearl of shining beauty;
the streets of gold ring out with praise.
All creatures round the throne
adore the holy One
with rejoicing: Amen be sung
by every tongue
to crown their welcome to the King.

Text Information

• First Line: Wake, O wake, and sleep no longer
• Adapter: Christopher Idle (born 1938)
• Author: P. Nicolai (1556-1608)
• Meter: 8 9 8 D 6 6 4 8 8
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1987
• Topic: God, Saviour: Returning and Triumphant; Advent 1: The Advent Hope; Epiphany 6, Revelation: Parables
• Copyright: © Christopher Idle
• ONE LICENSE: 70

Tune Information

• Name: SLEEPERS, WAKE
• Composer: P. Nicolai (1556-1608)
• Arranger: J. S. Bach (1685-1750)
• Meter: 8 9 8 D 6 6 4 8 8
• Key: C Major