Wakened to the Wonder

“And he [Jacob] dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it... And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not… This is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven” (Genesis 28:12-17).  “And He [Jesus] saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man” (John 1:51).  “Wherefore He saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.  See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16). 

There was a night when Jacob dreamed

A wondrous vision that God gave: 
A ladder where the angels streamed
Portrayed our Lord who came to save. 

When Jacob woke up from his sleep

He trembled at the awesome thought
(A view which we should also keep): 
The Lord is here!  I knew it not! 

This Ladder set up on the earth

Came down from heaven to us first. 
The Word made flesh in humble birth
Has come to save us who were cursed. 

Should not we waken in this place

With wonder that Emmanuel
Has come to earth with truth and grace
To save us from eternal hell? 

Awake to see the truth sublime
That Christ is saving sinful men! 
Be circumspect!  Redeem the time!
Our Lord said He will come again! 

He comes now to repentant hearts

As He has promised that He would. 
This is the grace that God imparts; 
Our God is here, and He is good!

O Lord, we thank You for this view

In Jacob’s dream which You fulfilled. 
The Ladder seen is surely You;
As we are wakened, we are thrilled! 

May we awaken in these days,

O Lord, to give the Gospel voice,
Assured that when a sinner prays,
The angels with You, Lord, rejoice!