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 upon 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, and unto men good-will.

[4]
To Bethlehem straight the 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;
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 lost mankind;
trace we the Babe, who has retrieved our loss,
from his poor manger to the bitter cross;
tread in 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.