Mortals, awake! with angels join,

And chant the solemn lay;

Joy, love, and gratitude combine

To hail th’ auspicious day.

In heaven the rapturous song began,

And sweet seraphic fire

Through all the shining legions ran,

And strung and tuned the lyre.

Swift through the vast expanse it flew,

And loud the echo rolled;

The theme, the song, the joy was new—

’Twas more than heaven could hold!

Down through the portals of the sky

The impetuous torrent ran;

And angels flew with eager joy

To bear the news to man.

Wrapt in the silence of the night

Lay all the eastern world,

When bursting glorious heavenly light

The wondrous scene unfurled.

Hark! the cherubic armies shout,

And glory leads the song!

Good-will and peace are heard throughout

The harmonious heavenly throng.