Together in Song ‎#266

266. '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 rousing cry rejoices:
'Where are you, all you virgins wise?
the Bridegroom comes, awake!
Your lighted lamps then take.
Hallelujah!
With joy prepare
to meet him there;
the royal wedding feast is near.

2 Zion hears the watchmen singing,
and in her heart new joy is springing;
she wakes, she rises from her gloom.
For her Lord now comes all-glorious,
and strong in grace, in truth victorious;
her star has risen, her light has come.
Now come, O precious crown,
Lord Jesus, God's own Son.
Hail, hosanna!
O lead us all
into the hall
where you provide your joyful meal.

3 Now let all the heavens adore you,
and saints and angels sing before you
with harp and cymbal's joyful tone.
Gates of pearl in heaven are shining;
there, with the angel-choir combining,
we gather round your radiant throne.
No eye has seen the sight,
no ear heard such delight.
What rejoicing!
Yet there will we
eternally
with songs acclaim your majesty.

Text Information

• First Line: 'Wake, awake, for night is flying'
• Author: Philipp Nicolai, 1556-1608
• Translator: Catherine Winkworth, 1827-78 (alt.)
• Meter: 898 D 664.88
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1999
• Scripture:
  Matthew 22:1-14
  ;
  Matthew 25:1-13
  ;
  Revelation 19:5-8
  ;
  Revelation 19:9-10
  ;
  Revelation 21:21-27
  ;
  Romans 13:11-14
• Topic: Advent; Eucharist; Heaven; Jerusalem; Jesus Christ: Kingship; Worship: Earthly and Heavenly

Tune Information

• Name: WACHET AUF
• Composer: Philipp Nicolai, 1556-1608
• Arranger: Johann Sebastian Bach, 1685-1750
• Meter: 898 D 664.88
• Key: C Major