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 straightaway 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 goodwill.



To Bethlehem straight the 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 earliest heralds of the Saviour's name.



Let us, like these good shepherds, them employ

Our grateful voices to proclaim the joy

Trace we the Babe, who hath retrieved our loss

From His poor manger to His bitter cross

Treading His steps, assisted by His grace

Till man's first heavenly state again takes place.



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

Of angels and of angel-men the King...