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 glad 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.

“In David’s city, shepherds, ye shall find

The long foretold Redeemer of mankind,

Wrapt up in swaddling clothes, the Babe divine

Lies in a manger—this shall be your sign.”

He spake, and straightway the celestial choir

In hymns of joy unknown before conspire.

The praises of redeeming love they sung,

And heaven’s whole arch with hallelujahs rung!

God’s highest glory was their anthem still,

Peace upon earth, and mutual good will.

To Bethlehem straight the enlighten’d shepherds ran,

To see the wonder God had wrought for man.

Artless and watchful as these favour’d swains,

While virgin meekness in their hearts remains;

Trace we the Babe, who has retriev’d 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 we may hope, the angelic thrones among,

To find redeem’d a glad triumphant throng;

He that was born upon that joyful day,

Around us all his glory shall display:

Sav’d by his love, incessant we shall sing

Eternal praise to heaven’s all-powerful King.

Shepherds, rejoice, lift up your eyes,

And send your fears away;

News from the regions of the skies,

A Saviour’s born to-day!

Jesus, the God whom angels fear,

Comes down to dwell with you;

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