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 begun
Of God Incarnate and the Virgin's Son
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.'
He spake; and straightway the celestial choir
In hymns of joy unknown before conspire
High praise of God's redeeming love they sang
And heaven's whole orb with hallelujahs rang
God's highest glory was their anthem still
'On earth be peace, and unto men goodwill.'
| |
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
Then may we hope, the angelic hosts among
To sing, redeemed, a glad triumphant 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
|
