Watchman, Tell Us of the Night (arr. Mark Hayes)
This carol was inspired by a short passage from Isaiah (One is calling to me from Seir, “Watchman, what time of the night? Watchman, what time of the night?” The watchman says: “Morning comes, and also the night. If you will inquire, inquire; come back again”). Darkness of night represents danger, but the beautiful star that leads to Jesus, the Son of God who came to earth as a Babe, promises that underneath it, humanity will find hope and joy, blessedness and light, peace and truth in Him. Because Christ was sent to redeem us, the darkness that hung over us from our sin takes flight when we trust in Him, doubt and terror lose their power, for the Prince of Peace has come and has clothed us in His righteousness to satisfy God’s justice on our behalf.
Watchman, tell us of the night,
What its signs of promise are.
Traveler, o’er yon mountain’s height,
See that glory beaming star.
Watchman, does its beauteous ray
Aught of joy or hope foretell?
Traveler, yes—it brings the day,
Promised day of Israel.
Watchman, tell us of the night;
Higher yet that star ascends.
Traveler, blessedness and light,
Peace and truth its course portends.
Watchman, will its beams alone
Gild the spot that gave them birth?
Traveler, ages are its own;
See, it bursts o’er all the earth.
Watchman, tell us of the night,
For the morning seems to dawn.
Traveler, darkness takes its flight,
Doubt and terror are withdrawn.
Watchman, let thy wanderings cease;
Hide thee to thy quiet home.
Traveler, lo! the Prince of Peace,
Lo! the Son of God is come!