Rejoice in the Lord ‎#209

209. God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen

1 God rest you merry, gentlemen,
let nothing you dismay,
remember Christ our Saviour
was born on Christmas Day
to save us all from Satan's power
when we were gone astray.

Refrain:
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.

2 From God our heavenly Father
a blessed angel came,
and unto certain shepherds
brought tidings of the same,
how that in Bethlehem was born
the son of God by name. (Refrain)

3 "Fear not, then," said the angel,
"let nothing you affright;
this day is born a Savior
of a pure virgin bright,
to free all those who trust in him
from Satan's power and might." (Refrain)

4 Now to the Lord sing praises,
all you within this place,
and with true love and gentleness
each other now embrace;
this holy tide of Christmas
all others doth deface. (Refrain)

Text Information

• First Line: God rest you merry, gentlemen
• Title: God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen
• Refrain First Line: O tidings of comfort and joy
• Meter: Irregular, with refrain
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1985
• Source: English carol, 18th century

Tune Information

• Name: GOD REST YOU MERRY
• Meter: Irregular, with refrain
• Key: e minor
• Source: Traditional melody; Bramley & Stainer, Christmas Carols Old and New (1871) ( harmonized in)