Voices of Praise ‎#44

44. Christians awake, salute the happy morn

1 Christians, awake, salute the happy morn,
Whereon the Saviour of mankind was born;
Rise to adore the mystery of love,
Which hosts of angels chanted from above;
With them the joyful tidings first begin
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 fulfill'd 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 arch with alleluias rang:
God's highest glory was their anthem still,
Peace upon earth, and unto men good-will.

4 To Bethlehem straight the happy shepherds ran
To see the wonder God had wrought for man:
And found with Joseph and the blessed maid,
Her Son, the Saviour, in a manger laid;
Amazed, the wondrous story they proclaim,
The earliest heralds of the Saviour's Name.

5 Let us, like these good shepherds, then employ
Our grateful voices to proclaim the joy;
Trace we the Babe, who hath retrieved our loss,
From His poor manger to His bitter Cross;
Treading His steps, assisted by His grace,
Till man's first heavenly state again takes place.

6 Then may we hope, the angelic thrones 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.

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: Christians awake, salute the happy morn
• Meter: Six 10s.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1883
• Topic: Our Lord Jesus Christ: Christmas

Tune Information

• Name: YORKSHIRE
• Meter: Six 10s.
• Key: D Major