Complete Anglican Hymns Old and New ‎#229

229. God rest you merry, gentlemen

1 God rest you merry, gentlemen,
let nothing you dismay,
for Jesus Christ our Saviour
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 In Bethlehem, in Jewry,
this blessèd babe was born,
and laid within a manger,
upon this blessèd morn;
at which his mother Mary
did nothing take in scorn. [Refrain]

3 From God, our heav'enly Father,
a blessèd angel came,
and unto certain shepherds
brought tidings of the same,
how that in Bethlehem was born
the Son of God by name. [Refrain]

4 'Fear not,' then said the angel,
'let nothing you affright,
this day is born a Saviour,
of virtue, pow'r and might;
by him the world is overcome
and Satan put to flight.'[Refrain]

5 The shepherds at those tidings
rejoicèd much in mind,
and left their flock a-feeding,
in tempest, storm and wind,
and went to Bethlehem straightway
this blessèd babe to find. [Refrain]

6 But when to Bethlehem they came,
whereat this infant lay,
they found him in a manger
where oxen feed on hay;
his mother Mary kneeling,
unto the Lord did pray. [Refrain]

7 Now to the Lord sing praises,
all you within this place,
and with true love and fellowship
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: 86 86 86 and Refrain
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2000
• Scripture:
  Luke 2:1-20
• Topic: Christmas; Years A, B, and C: Christmas Day
• Source: Traditional English, alt.

Tune Information

• Name: GOD REST YOU MERRY
• Arranger: Adrian Vernon Fish
• Meter: 86 86 86 and Refrain
• Key: d minor
• Source: Traditional English melody
• Copyright: Arr. © 1994 Kevin Mayhew Ltd.