306. 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 on the earth;
this day has God fulfilled his promised word,
this day is born a Saviour, Christ the Lord.'

3 He 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 hallelujahs rang:
God's highest glory was their anthem still,
peace upon earth to people of good-will.

4 To Bethlehem straight the enlightened shepherds ran
to see the wonder of our God made man,
and found, with Joseph and the blessèd Maid,
her son, the Saviour, in a manger laid;
amazed, the wondrous story they proclaim,
the first apostles of his infant fame.

5 Like Mary, let us ponder in our mind
God's wondrous love in saving humankind;
trace we the Babe, who has retrieved our loss,
from the poor manger to the bitter cross;
tread in his steps, assisted by his grace,
until in heaven God's people take their place.

6 There 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, unceasing 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: 1999
Scripture: ;
Topic: Christmas; Jesus Christ: Coming to Bethlehem; Jesus Christ: Incarnation (3 more...)
Tune Information
Name: STOCKPORT
Composer: John Wainwright, 1723-68
Meter: 10 10.10 10.10 10
Key: B♭ Major



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