Moravian Book of Worship ‎#258

258. Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying

1 "Wake, awake, for night is flying,"
the watchmen on the heights are crying;
"Awake, Jerusalem, arise!"
Midnight hears the welcome voices
and at the thrilling cry rejoices:
"Where are the virgins pure and wise?
The bridegroom comes, awake!
Your lamps with gladness take!
Alleluia!
With bridal care and faith's bold prayer,
to meet the Bridegroom, come, prepare!"

2 Zion hears the watchmen singing,
and in her heart new joy is springing.
She wakes, she rises from her gloom.
For her Lord comes down all-glorious,
and strong in grace, in truth victorious.
Her star's arising light has come!
"Now come, O blessed one,
Lord Jesus, God's own Son.
Hail, hosanna!
We answer all in joy your call,
we follow to the wedding hall."

3 Now let all the heav'ns adore you,
let saints and angels sing before you
with harp and cymbal's clearest tone.
Of one pearl each shining portal,
where, joining with the choir immortal,
we gather round your radiant throne.
No eye has seen that light,
no ear the echoed might
of your glory;
yet there shall we in your vict'ry
sing shouts of praise eternally!

Text Information

• First Line: Wake, awake for night is flying
• Title: Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying
• Author: Philipp Nicolai (1599)
• Translator: Catherine Winkworth (1858, alt.)
• Meter: 8.9.8.8.9.8.6.6.4.8.8.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1995
• Scripture:
  Isaiah 52:1-10
  ;
  Matthew 25:1-13
  ;
  Romans 13:11-12
  ;
  1 Corinthians 2
  ;
  Revelation 21:9-27
• Topic: Advent; Christian year--Advent; Christian year--Return of Christ

Tune Information

• Name: WACHET AUF, RUFT UNS DIE STIMME
• Composer: Hans Sachs (1494-1576)
• Adapter: Philipp Nicolai (1599)
• Harmonizer: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
• Meter: 8.9.8.8.9.8.6.6.4.8.8.
• Key: C Major