Christians Awake:

“Christians awake! Salute the happy morn, whereon the Saviour of the world was born”

Written by Jill Fairhurst

Christians awake was first sung on Christmas morning in 1750 in the parish Church of Saint Mary's Stockport.

The words were written by John Byron for his daughter Dorothy, it was originally named Christmas Day for Dolly and renamed Christians awake when the music was added by John Wainwright who was born in Stockport in 1723 and became organist at Manchester collegiate church, later cathedral. He died in 1768 and is buried in Saint Mary's churchyard. The tune ‘Stockport’ shares its name with Yorkshire and the manuscript can be found in Cheetham's library. It was traditionally sung at Saint Mary's on Christmas morning with the choir gathered at Johns grave before processing into church.

The first verse calls on Christians to join with the angels in sharing the mystery of God's love. The shepherds on hearing the good news from the angels hastened to Bethlehem to see the sign that God has given them in verses two and three, they are described as being full of joy and wonder at the news and are described as the first apostles of the infant. Some versions have up to 6 verses recalling Christ’s journey to the cross but all calling us to join in praising him.

Saved by his love, incessant we shall sing

eternal praise to heavens almighty king.