Christian Hymns/Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying

Background

Text

• Author: Philip Nicolai
• Translator: Catherine Winkworth
• Source: Chorale Book for England

Music

Hymn Tune(s):

• Wachet Auf

Lyrics

Wake, awake, for night is flying,

The watchmen on the heights are crying;

Awake, Jerusalem, at last!

Midnight hears the welcome voices,

And at the thrilling cry rejoices:

Come forth, ye virgins, night is past!

The Bridegroom comes, awake,

Your lamps with gladness take;

Hallelujah!

And for His marriage-feast prepare,

For ye must go to meet Him there.

Zion hears the watchmen singing,

And all her heart with joy is springing,

She wakes, she rises from her gloom;

For her Lord comes down all-glorious,

The strong in grace, in truth victorious,

Her Star is risen, her Light is come!

Ah come, Thou blessed Lord,

O Jesus, Son of God,

Hallelujah!

We follow till the halls we see

Where Thou hast bid us sup with Thee!

Now let all the heavens adore Thee,

And men and angels sing before Thee,

With harp and cymbal's clearest tone;

Of one pearl each shining portal,

Where we are with the choir immortal

Of angels round Thy dazzling throne;

Nor eye hath seen, nor ear

Hath yet attain'd to hear

What there is ours,

But we rejoice, and sing to Thee

Our hymn of joy eternally.