Christians, awake! salute the happy morn

Since we have completed our preparation in our Advent observance, we rise and greet the morn of our salvation!

I had originally intended to "end" the hymn project with "O come, all ye faithful," but you hear that OFTEN! Instead, I chose another well-known (to some) hymn that is worthy of hearing. I also have a personal "association" with this hymn, as it was always the opening hymn at the Solemn Eucharist celebration at Ripon Cathedral, where I served as assistant organist.

The fine words were written by John Byrom (1692-1763), who was an English poet, the inventor of a revolutionary system of shorthand and later a significant landowner. He is most remembered as the writer of the lyrics of this hymn, which was supposedly a Christmas gift for his daughter.

The music was composed by John Wainwright (1723–1768), an English church organist and composer. He was appointed organist and singer at the Manchester Collegiate Church (later Manchester Cathedral) on 12 May 1767, a year after the publication of his "A Collection of Psalm Tunes, Anthems, Hymns and Chants", which included this hymn, the tune of which is named "Yorkshire".

I dedicate this to my friend and new member, Ken Hager! :-)

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!