Hymn 135
Christians, awake, salute the happy morn
- 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 hrst 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.
Thy 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, and unto men goodwill.
- To Bethlehem straight the enlightened shepherds ran,
To see the wonder God had wrought for man:
Then to their flocks, still praising God, return.
And their glad hearts, with holy rapture burn;
Amazed, the wondrous tidings they proclaim.
The hrst apostles of His infant fame.
- Oh 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 the poor manger to the bitter cross;
Tread in His steps, assisted by His grace.
Till man's hrst heavenly state again takes place.
- Then may we hope, the angelic host 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.
Christly Living