By A Collection of Hymns

      10 10, 10 10, 10 10. Luke ii. 8-17.
      1 CHRISTIANS, awake, salute the happy morn
      Whereon the Saviour of mankind 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 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."

      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 hallelujahs rang;
      God's highest glory was their anthem still,
      Peace upon earth, and unto men good-will.

      4 To Bethlehem straight the enlightened shepherds ran,
      To see the wonders 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.

      5 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 heavenly state again takes place.

      6 Then may we hope, the angelic hosts among,
      To join, redeemed, a glad triumphant throng;
      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.