The Hymnbook ‎#166

166. 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.
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.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy.

3 "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.

4 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 others doth deface.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy.

Amen.

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
• Publication Date: 1955
• Scripture:
  Luke 2:10-11
  ;
  1 Timothy 1:15
• Topic: Christ: Birth and Infancy; Christ: Saviour; Fellowship; Jesus Christ: His Birth
• Source: English carol, 18th century

Tune Information

• Name: GOD REST YOU MERRY
• Meter: Irregular with Refrain
• Key: e minor
• Source: English Melody, 18th century; Har. in Christmas Carols Old and New, 1871