Christians Awake - Traditional

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.

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.'

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.

To Bethlehem straight the happy 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.

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.

Christians Awake lyrics (Salute the Happy Morn) provide a detailed account of the Nativity story from the angelic message to the shepherds visit. The song is known for its energetic and traditional English character often featuring a strong choral arrangement. It encourages the listener to join the heavenly host in praising God for the miracle of the Incarnation. By singing the Christians Awake lyrics the congregation enters into the historical and spiritual excitement of the first Christmas morning acknowledging that the birth of Christ is the foundation of all Christian hope and joy.