Common Praise ‎#48

48. 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 the 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 fulfilled his promised word,
this day is born a Saviour, Christ the Lord.'

3 He spake; 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 men good will.

*4 To Bethl'hem straight the enlightened shepherds ran,
to see the wonder God had wrought for man;
and found, with Joseph and the blessèd Maid,
her Son, the Saviour, in a manger laid:
then to their flocks, still praising God, return,
and their glad hearts with holy rapture burn.

5 O may we keep and ponder in our mind
God's wondrous love in saving lost mankind;
trace we the babe, who hath retrieved our loss,
from his poor manger to his bitter cross;
tread in his steps, assisted by his grace,
till man's first heavenly state again takes place.

6 Then may we hope, the angelic hosts among,
to sing, redeemed, 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
eternal praise to heaven's almighty King.

Text Information

• First Line: Christians, awake! salute the happy morn
• Author: John Byrom, 1692-1763 (alt.)
• Meter: 10 10 10 10 10 10
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2000
• Scripture:
  John 1:14
  ;
  John 4:42
  ;
  Luke 2:6-7
  ;
  Luke 19:10
  ;
  Matthew 1:23
  ;
  Revelation 5:9-12
• Topic: Christmas

Tune Information

• Name: YORKSHIRE (STOCKPORT)
• Composer: John Wainwright, 1723-1768
• Meter: 10 10 10 10 10 10
• Key: C Major