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.
