God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Chicago (Holiday) Lyrics
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Let nothing you dismay,
Remember Christ our Savior
Was born on Christmas Day
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy!
From God our heavenly Father
A blessed angel came
And unto certain shepherds
Brought tiding of the same
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by name.
"Fear not, then," said the angel,
"Let nothing you a fright
This day is born a Savior
Of a pure virgin bright,
To free all those who trust in him
From Satan's power and might."
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.
The lyrics to "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" evoke a feeling of comfort and joy, which is exactly what the song is meant to convey. The song's opening lines remind listeners that despite the challenges they may be facing, they should remain merry and not let themselves be dismayed, because they have reason to celebrate. Specifically, the song acknowledges the birth of Christ on Christmas Day, which saved people from the power of Satan when they were lost and confused.
The song goes on to describe how an angel visited shepherds in Bethlehem to tell them of the good news, assuring them that they need not be afraid. The angel explains that a pure and bright virgin has given birth to a savior who will free those who trust in him from Satan's power and might. The lyrics conclude with a call for everyone to sing praises to the Lord and to embrace each other with true love and brotherhood, acknowledging the redeeming grace of Christmas.
Line by Line Meaning
God rest you merry, gentlemen,
May God grant you happiness and contentment, gentlemen,
Let nothing you dismay,
Don't be discouraged by anything,
Remember Christ our Savior
Keep in mind that Christ Jesus came to save us,
Was born on Christmas Day
He was born on the day of Christmas,
To save us all from Satan's power
The purpose of his birth was to rescue us from the devil's grasp,
When we were gone astray.
We were lost before, but he came to guide us back,
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Oh, what wonderful news that brings happiness and relief,
Comfort and joy,
That grants peace and gladness,
O tidings of comfort and joy!
Such happiness should be shared!
From God our heavenly Father
A divine messenger was sent by the Almighty Father,
A blessed angel came
A fortunate angel arrived,
And unto certain shepherds
The angel went to the shepherds,
Brought tiding of the same
Delivering the same news,
How that in Bethlehem was born
That a child was born in Bethlehem,
The Son of God by name.
Who was the Son of God.
"Fear not, then," said the angel,
The angel told them not to be afraid,
"Let nothing you a fright
As there was nothing to fear,
This day is born a Savior
This very day had brought forth a Savior,
Of a pure virgin bright,
Who was born of an immaculate mother,
To free all those who trust in him
He was sent to save those who will put their faith in him,
From Satan's power and might."
And to free them from any clutches of the devil."
Now to the Lord sing praises,
So let us sing in praise of the Lord,
All you within this place,
Everyone gathered in this place,
And with true love and brotherhood
Showing genuine love and unity,
Each other now embrace
We should embrace one another,
This holy tide of Christmas
As this blessed occasion of Christmas,
Doth bring redeeming grace.
Signifies the arrival of the grace that redeems.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: MARIAH CAREY, WALTER N. AFANASIEFF
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind