"Christians, Awake, Salute" by John Byrom, 1692-1763 Text From: THE HANDBOOK TO THE LUTHERAN HYMNAL (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1942)p.68 1. Christians, awake, salute the happy morn Whereon the Savior 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 Savior's birth To you and all the nations upon earth; This day hath God fulfilled His promised word; This day is born a Savior, Christ the Lord." 3. 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. 4. To Bethlehem 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 Savior, in a manger laid; Then to their flocks, still praising God, return. And their glad hearts with holy rapture burn. 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 His poor manger to His bitter cross, Tread in His steps, assisted by His grace, Till man's first heavenly state again takes place. 6.Then may we hope, th' angelic hosts among, To sing, redeemed, a glad triumphal song. He that was born upon this joyful day Around us all His "Christians, Awake, Salute" by John Byrom, 1692-1763 Text From: THE HANDBOOK TO THE LUTHERAN HYMNAL (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1942)p.68 1. Christians, awake, salute the happy morn Whereon the Savior 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 Savior's birth To you and all the nations upon earth; This day hath God fulfilled His promised word; This day is born a Savior, Christ the Lord." 3. 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. 4. To Bethlehem 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 Savior, in a manger laid; Then to their flocks, still praising God, return. And their glad hearts with holy rapture burn. 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 His poor manger to His bitter cross, Tread in His steps, assisted by His grace, Till man's first heavenly state again takes place. 6.Then may we hope, th' 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. _______________________________________________________ Notes: Hymn #84 from _The Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal_ Text: Luke 2:1-18 Author: John Byrom, 1749, cento, alt. Composer: John Wainwright, 1750 Tune: "Yorkshire" ______________________________________________________________ This text was converted to ascii format for Project Wittenberg by Cindy A. Beesley and is in the public domain. You may freely distribute, copy or print this text. Please direct any comments or suggestions to: Rev. Robert E. Smith of the Walther Library at Concordia Theological Seminary. E-mail: bob_smith@ctsfw.edu Surface Mail: 6600 N. Clinton St., Ft. Wayne, IN 46825 USA Phone: (219) 452-2148Fax: (219) 452-2126 ______________________________________________________________