God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
John Scott Trotter Lyrics

The song God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen is a traditional Christmas carol which has been sung for centuries. The lyrics are a message of hope and joy to all those who listen. The opening line "God rest you merry, gentlemen" may seem a little strange to modern ears. However, when the song was written in the 15th century, the phrase "rest you merry" meant "keep your spirits high" or "keep yourself in good cheer". In this sense, the song is a call to be joyful and not to be discouraged by the troubles of the world.

The second line "Let nothing you dismay" is a similar call to be strong and not to give in to despair. The song then goes on to remind us of the real reason for Christmas: the birth of Christ. The third line "Remember Christ our Savior/was born on Christmas Day" is the central message of the song. It reminds us that Christmas is not just about presents and parties, but about the birth of Jesus Christ and the hope that he brings.

The fourth line "To save us all from Satan's power/when we were gone astray" is a reference to the idea of redemption in Christianity. The song is reminding us that Christ came to save us from sin and to bring us closer to God. The following verses then expand on this message, with references to the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, and the appearance of the angels to the shepherds. Overall, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen is a song of hope and joy, which reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas.