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 th'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 heav'n's whole orb with alleluias rang:
God's highest glory was their anthem still,
Peace upon earth, and unto men goodwill.

To Bethlehem th'enlightened shepherds ran
To see the wonder God had wrought for man.
Then to their flocks, still praising God, return
And their glad hearts with holy rapture burn;
Amazed, the wondrous tidings they proclaim
The first apostles of his infant fame.

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 the poor manger to the bitter Cross
Tread in his steps, assisted by his grace
Till man's first heav’nly state again takes place.

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 heav’n's Almighty King,