CHRISTIANS AWAKE
John Byrom, John Wainwright ~ Public Domain

Christians, awake! Salute the happy morn,
On which 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 were begun
Of God incarnate and the virgin's Son.

Then to the watchful shepherds It was told,
Who heard The herald angel'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 SaviourChrist the Lord."

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 orb with alleluias rang;
God's highest glory was their anthem still,
Peace upon earth, and unto men good will.

To Bethl'hem straight th'enlightened 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:
Then to their flocks, still praising God, return,
And their glad hearts with holy rapture burn.

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, th'angelic hosts among,
To sing, redeemed, a glad triumphal song:
Christ who 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.