Journeysongs (3rd ed.) ‎#304

304. God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen

1 God rest you merry, gentlemen,
Let nothing you dismay;
Remember Christ our Savior
Was born on Christmas Day
To save us all from Satan's pow'r
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 heav'nly 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 Virgin pure and bright,
To free all those who trust in him
From Satan's pow'r and might." [Refrain]

4 Now to the Lord sing praises,
All you within this place,
And with true love and charity
Each other now embrace;
This holy tide of Christmas
Is filled with heavn'ly grace. [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: 86 86 86 with refrain
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2012
• Scripture:
  Luke 2:9-10
• Topic: The Liturgical Year: Christmas (Days of); The Liturgical Year: The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
• Source: Trad. English Carol, 18th cent.

Tune Information

• Name: GOD REST YOU MERRY
• Arranger: John Stainer, 1840-1901
• Meter: 86 86 86 with refrain
• Key: d minor or modal
• Source: Trad. English Carol; Little Book of Christmas Carols, ca. 1846; Arr.: Bramley and Stainer's Christmas Carols New and Old, 1871, alt.