Mortals, Awake, with Angels Join

Mortals, awake, with angels join,
And chant the solemn lay:
Joy, love, and gratitude combine
To hail the 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.

With joy the chorus we’ll repeat,
“Glory to God on high!
Good will and peace are now complete:
Jesus was born to die.”

Hail, Prince of life, forever hail!
Redeemer, brother, friend!
Though earth and time and life shall fail,
Thy praise shall never end.