265. Christians, awake, salute the happy

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, " Be-

hold,

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. "

3 He spake; and straightway the celestial choir

In hymns of joy, unknown before, conspire:

The praises of redeeming lore 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.

4 To Bethlehem straight th' enlightened shep-

herds ran,

To see the wonders God had wrought for man;

Then to their flocks, still praising God, return,

And their glad hearts with holy rapture burn:

To all the joyful tidings they proclaim,

The first apostles of the Saviour's Name.

5 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 first heavenly state again takes place.

6 Then may we hope, the angelic hosts among,

To join, redeemed, a glad triumphant throng:

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.