Wake Awake for Night is Flying (Zion Hears The Watchmen / Sleeper’s Awake)

This Advent hymn was translated by English Unitarian educator, hymn-writer and women's rights activist, Catherine Winkworth (1827-1878), from Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme by Philipp Nicolai (1556-1608).    It is partially based on Matthew 25: 1-13 (the parable of the ten virgins).

With meter 8.9.8. D. 6.6.4.8 8, it is set to the tune WACHET AUF, also by Nicolai.

There are a number of other translations, including Wake, Awake and Sleep No Longer and Wake, Awake, the Night is Dying.



Downloads

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Examples

Solo singer, unaccompanied:


Choir and organ - starts at 0:30:


Children's choir:


Instrumental - organ, with piano melody voice:


Lyrics

"Wake, awake, for night is flying,"
The watchmen on the heights are crying;
"Awake, Jerusalem, arise!"
Midnight hears the welcome voices
And at the thrilling cry rejoices:
"Oh, where are ye, ye virgins wise?
The Bridegroom comes, awake!
Your lamps with gladness take!
Hallelujah!
With bridal care Yourselves prepare
To meet the Bridegroom, who is near."

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 ris'n, her Light is come.
"Now come, Thou Blessed One,
Lord Jesus, God's own Son,
Hail! Hosanna!
The joyful call We answer all
And follow to the nuptial hall."

Now let all the heav'ns adore Thee,
Let men and angels sing before Thee,
With harp and cymbal's clearest tone.
Of one pearl each shining portal,
Where, dwelling with the choir immortal,
We gather round Thy radiant throne.
No vision ever brought,
No ear hath ever caught,
Such great glory;
Therefore will we Eternally
Sing hymns of praise and joy to Thee.

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