God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

(Traditional)


God rest ye 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 

From God our Heavenly 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. 
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 
Doth bring redeeming grace 
O tidings of comfort and joy, 
Comfort and joy 
O tidings of comfort and joy 

God rest ye 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 

This appears on Christmas with You.

Documentation

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

source - http://www.carols.org.uk