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 made carnate born as Mary'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 of the earth.
	This day hath God fulfill'd his promis'd word. This day is born a saviour, Christ the lord."
He spoke, and straight'way the celestial choir, in hymns of joy unknown before, conspire.
The praises of redeeming love they sang and Heav’n’s whole orb with hallelujas rang.
	God’s highest glory was their anthem still, and peace on Earth to men of his good will.
To Bethl’em straight th’enlighten'd 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.
	Then to their flocks, still praising God, return and their glad hearts with holy rapture burn.
Like Mary let us ponder in our mind God’s wondrous love in saving lost mankind.
Trace we the babe who hath retriev'd our loss from his poor manger to his bitter cross,
	Tread in his steps assisted by his grace till man’s last elevated state take place.
Then may we hope, the feasting hosts among, to sing, redeem'd, a glad triumphal song.
He that was born upon that joyful day around us all his glory shall display.
	Sav'd by his love, we constantly shall sing eternal praise to Heav’n’s almighty king.