God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen

In a previous post I mentioned that all too often the message in Christmas carols is not recognized as we are caught up in singing the familiar melody. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen is one such song. Did you ever notice the pause after merry in many versions? Some copies of the lyrics actually have a comma inserted there. Many years ago I heard a dear Christian man discussing this Christmas carol. He explained that its true meaning is often missed by modern singers. He pointed out that the intent was an exhortation to remember that God can cause our hearts to have joy because Christ came. It is not a song meant only for men already merry. The song writer wanted to bring cheer to believers, reminding us that there is no need to worry or fear. We can truly find joy as we remember Jesus came to rescue us. He came to save us.

Rest - To be free from whanever wearies or disturbs; to be quiet or still.[Websters]
Ye -The plural of the pronoun of the second person in the nominative case.[Websters].
Merry - Cheerful; joyous; not sad; happy.[Websters]
Gentleman - A man, irrespective of condition; -- used esp. in the plural (= citizens; people), in addressing men in popular assemblies, etc.[Websters].

 (So I have the idea that perhaps the Old English meaning of "God rest you merry gentleman" can be paraphrased in current vernacular as  - Hey Guys, God can keep your heart calm and fill you with joy - And the remainder of the song explains why, by describing the event of our Savior's birth and the reason He came.) Indeed, a message of "comfort and joy".

"God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" Lyrics
God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
For Jesus Christ our Saviour (or Remember Christ our Saviour)
Was born upon this day (or Was born on Christmas Day)
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy.

In Bethlehem, in Jewry, (or "in Israel")
This blessed Babe was born
And laid within a manger
Upon this blessed morn
To which His Mother Mary
Did nothing take in scorn
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
.
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.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy.

"Fear not then," said the Angel,
"Let nothing you affright,
This day is born a Saviour
Of a pure Virgin bright,
To free all those who trust in Him
From Satan's power and might."
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy.

The shepherds at those tidings
Rejoiced much in mind,
And left their flocks a-feeding
In tempest, storm and wind:
And went to Bethlehem straightway
This blessed Babe to find. (or The Son of God to find)
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy.

But when to Bethlehem they came (or And when they came to Bethlehem)
Whereat this Infant lay, (or Where our dear Saviour lay)
They found Him in a manger,
Where oxen feed on hay;
His Mother Mary kneeling, (or His mother Mary kneeling down,)
Unto the Lord did pray.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy.

Now to the Lord sing praises,
All you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood
Each other now embrace;
This holy tide of Christmas
All other doth efface.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy.


The following excerpt is taken from a website dedicated to Christmas Carols and much more information about this special season http://www.carols.org.uk/god_rest_ye_merry_gentlemen.htm

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen was first published in 1833 when it appeared in "Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern," a collection of seasonal carols gathered by William B. Sandys. The lyrics of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen are traditional olde English and are reputed to date back to the 15th century although the author is unknown.. It is believed that this particular carol was sung to the gentry by town watchmen who earned additional money during the Christmas season. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen continues to be enjoyed. The lyrics to this simple carol are reputed to be one of the oldest carols.

Here is a link to listen to a contemporary rendition of God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen by Jars of Clay http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKkhbbqxgOw&feature=related