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.
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; 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.
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 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. Amen.