Wake, Awake, for Night is Flying

"Wake, Awake, for Night is Flying" (LSB 516) is known as "The King of the Lutheran Chorales."

The hymn opens with watchmen high on the battlements of a castle shouting, "Awake, Jerusalem," just as they would do if the city were being invaded. But, instead, this is a joyful shout for the Bridegroom (Matthew 25:1-13) -- the resurrected, ascended and returning Jesus!

The second stanza tells of the watchmen no longer shouting, but singing. The news of Jesus' return is so joyous that they begin to sing the good news, rather than shout. The Church then rises from her gloom as Jesus takes the Church to paradise.

The third stanza tells of the joy no one has ever seen or heard before.

Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed! Alleluia!

1 “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!
Alleluia!
With bridal care
Yourselves prepare
To meet the Bridegroom, who is near.”

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 ris’n, her light is come.
Now come, Thou Blessèd One,
Lord Jesus, God’s own Son,
Hail! Hosanna!
We enter all
The wedding hall
To eat the Supper at Thy call.

3 Now let all the heav’ns adore Thee,
Let saints and angels sing before Thee
With harp and cymbals’ clearest tone.
Of one pearl each shining portal,
Where, joining with the choir immortal,
We gather round Thy radiant throne.
No eye has seen the light,
No ear has heard the might
Of Thy glory;
Therefore will we
Eternally
Sing hymns of praise and joy to Thee!
Text: Public domain