Wake! The Watchman's Voice Is Sounding

For Advent

Words: Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, Philipp Nicoli
Translation by R. C. Singleton

Inspired by the Parable of the Ten Virgins: Matthew 25: 1-13
Includes notes and a listing of some of the many hymns and carols inspired by this Parable.

Music: "Wachet auf! ruft uns die Stimme"

Source: Robert Corbet Singleton and Edwin George Monk, eds., Anglican Hymn Book (London: Novello, Ewer and Co., and James Parker and Co., 1868), #259.

1. Wake ! the watchmen's voice is sounding !
It comes from towered heights rebounding!
     Wake up ! Jerusalem, arise !
Hours of midnight o'er thee falling,
With trumpet-tone are loudly calling
     Where stay thy virgins, watchful, wise ?
          The Bridegroom comes ! awake !
          Stand up! your lanterns take !
               Hallelujah !
Make ready for the nuptial rite,
For ye must meet Him, decked with light.

2. Sion hears the watchmen singing
Her heart with deep delight is springing;
     She starts from slumber, sweet and soft:
Comes her Lord from heaven in splendor,
All strong in truth, with meriy tender:
     Her star in radiance mounts aloft
          Descend, Thou deathless Crown
          Great Son of God, come down
               Hark ! Hosannas !
We follow towards the halls of joy,
To sup in bliss without alloy.

3. Hear Thy praises, Lord, ascending
From tongues of men and angels, blending
     With harp and cymbal's thrilling tone!
By Thy pearly gates in wonder
We stand, and swell the voice of thunder,
     Which peals from hosts around Thy throne !
          No eye hath traced those bounds!
          No ear hath caught those sounds!
               Joys unuttered !
Yet we the listening heavens will rend
With hallelujahs, ne'er to end.

Sheet Music to "Wachet auf" from Robert Corbet Singleton and Edwin George Monk, eds., Anglican Hymn Book (London: Novello, Ewer and Co., and James Parker and Co., 1868), #259.

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