Wake Awake, for Night is Flying, ELW 436, v. 1
1 Wake, awake, for night is flying, the watchmen on the heights are crying;
awake, Jerusalem, at last.
Midnight hears the welcome voices, and at the thrilling cry rejoices:
"Come forth, you maidens!
Night is past.
The bridegroom comes!
Awake; your lamps with gladness take!"
Alleluia!
Rise and prepare the feast to share;
go, meet the bridegroom, who draws near.
Devotion
Though I have fond memories of singing this hymn with the St. Olaf Choir, this hymn was written in the worst of moments for Pastor Phillip Nicolai, whose town was ravaged by the plague in the late 16th century. But in the midst of all the death and filth, he penned this wonderful hymn of being joyful at the return of Christ, our splendid and glorious savior and friend.
Typically watchmen were given the task of watching for danger and warning the coming of an enemy or disaster. In this hymn, the watchmen call out for the people to awaken to the coming of joy.
We are assured that, in the midst of all the chaos, filth and fear-mongering in the world, our God in Christ Jesus is still in love with you and me.
God has established a relationship with us on which God will never turn his back on.
Prayer
Oh come, you Blessed One, Lord Jesus, God's own Son. We sing 'Hosanna!' We go until the halls we view where you have bid us dine with you. Amen! Come, Lord Jesus.