Hymns for a Pilgrim People ‎#140

140. 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 a pure virgin 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 brotherhood
Each other now embrace;
This holy tide of Christmas
Doth bring redeeming 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: 8.6.8.6.8.6 with Refrain
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2007
• Scripture:
  Luke 2:10-11
• Topic: Christmas; Jesus Christ
• Source: English Carol, 18th C.

Tune Information

• Name: GOD REST YOU MERRY
• Harmonizer: John Stainer, 1840-1901
• Meter: 8.6.8.6.8.6 with Refrain
• Key: d minor
• Source: English Melody, 18th C.