Hymns and Devotions for Daily Worship ‎#346

346. 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:
"Oh, where are all you virgins wise?
The Bridegroom come, awake!
Your lamps with gladness take!
Alleluia!
With bridal care yourselves prepare
To meet the Bridegroom, who is near."

2. Zion hears the watchmen singing,
And all her heart with joy is springing;
She wakes, she rises from her gloom.
For her Lord comes down all-glorious,
The strong in grace, in truth victorious;
Her star is ris'n, her light is come.
Now come, O blessed One,
Christ Jesus, God's own Son.
Hail! Hosanna!
We enter all the marriage hall
To eat the supper at your call.

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, dwelling with the choir immortal,
We gather round your radiant throne.
No vision ever brought,
No ear has ever caught
Such great glory;
Therefore will we in victory
Sing hymns of praise eternally.

Text Information

• First Line: "Wake, awake! for night is flying"
• Title: Wake, Awake! for Night Is Flying
• German Title: Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme
• Translator: Catherine Winkworth (1858)
• Author: Philipp Nicolai (1599)
• Meter: 8.9.8.8.8.9.8.8.6.6.4.8.8
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2024
• Scripture:
  Matthew 25:1-2
• Topic: Ordinary Time: Week 27
• Notes: Text by Lutheran pastor Philipp Nicolai, “Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme,” from Frewden Spiegel des ewigen Lebens (1599), tr. by Catherine Winkworth in Lyra Germanica, 2nd Series (1858), alt.

Tune Information

• Name: WACHET AUF
• Composer: Philipp Nicolai (1599)
• Arranger: Johann Sebastian Bach (1731)
• Meter: 8.9.8.8.8.9.8.8.6.6.4.8.8
• Incipit: 13555 565
• Key: C Major
• Notes: arr. as in Cantata BWV 140 (1731).