Author: John Byrom, 1692-1763 Hymnal: Hymnal Supplement 1991 #731 (1991) Meter: 10.10.10.10.10.10 First Line: Christians, awake, salute the happy morn Lyrics: 1 Christians, awake, salute the happy morn
Whereon the Savior 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 Savior’s birth
To you and all the nations on the earth:
This day has God fulfilled the promised word,
This day is born a Savior, Christ the Lord."
3 Thus spoke, and straightway 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 all good will.
4 In Bethlehem the happy shepherds sought
To see the wonder God for us had wrought,
And found, with Joseph and the blessed maid,
Her Son, the Savior, in a manger laid;
Amazed, the wondrous story they proclaim,
The earliest heralds of the Savior's name.
5 Let us, like these good shepherds, then employ
Our grateful voices to proclaim the joy;
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 our first heavenly state again takes place. Topics: Christmas Season Scripture: Luke 2:10-16 Languages: English Tune Title: YORKSHIRE
Christians, Awake