The United Methodist Hymnal

720

Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying

1.	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: 
	Alleluia! 
	And for his marriage feast prepare, 
	for ye must go and meet him there.

2.	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 One,
	God's own beloved Son: 
	Alleluia! 
	We follow till the halls we see 
	where thou hast bid us sup with thee.

3.	Now let all the heavens adore thee, 
	and saints 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 attained to hear 
	what there is ours; 
	but we rejoice and sing to thee 
	our hymn of joy eternally.

WORDS: Catherine Winkworth, 1858; Philipp Nicolai, 1599
MUSIC: J. S. Bach, 1731; Philipp Nicolai, 1599
Scripture: Matthew 25:1-3 Romans 13:11-12
Theme: Adoration and Praise; Christ's Gracious Life: Promised Coming; Christian Year: Advent; Judgment; New Heaven and a New Earth: Return and Reign of the Lord; Triumph; Zeal