God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
John St. John Lyrics
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The lyrics of John St. John's rendition of "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" speak of the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas day and the hope of salvation that he brings. It starts off by encouraging the listeners to stay merry and not be dismayed, reminding them that Christ was born on Christmas day to save them from Satan's power when they had gone astray.
The second stanza describes the birthplace of Christ in Bethlehem, where he was laid in a manger as his mother, Mary, looked on with pride and did nothing to denigrate the miracle of his birth. The final stanza talks about how an angel brought tidings of Christ's birth to the shepherds in Bethlehem, announcing that the Son of God had been born.
Overall, the song is meant to invoke feelings of joy and comfort, as it celebrates the birth of Christ and the hope that he brings to humanity.
Line by Line Meaning
God rest you merry, gentlemen
May God give you joy and peace, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Do not be discouraged or disheartened by anything
Remember Christ our Savior
Recall that Christ, our Savior
Was born on Christmas Day
Was born on the day that we celebrate as Christmas
To save us all from Satan's power
Came to rescue us from the grip of Satan
When we were gone astray
When we were lost and wandering away from the right path
In Bethlehem in Jewry
In a small town called Bethlehem in the territory of Judea
This blessed Babe was born
This holy Infant was born
And laid within a manger
And placed in a feeding trough for animals
Upon this blessed morn
On this blessed morning
The which His Mother Mary
His mother, Mary
Did nothing take in scorn
Accepted this without protest or ridicule
From God our Heavenly Father
From God, our Father in Heaven
A blessed Angel came
An angel who had been blessed by God arrived
And unto certain shepherds
And to some shepherds, in particular
Brought tidings of the same
Brought the same message
How that in Bethlehem was born
That a child had been born in Bethlehem
The Son of God by name
Who was the Son of God and was given that name
(O tidings of comfort and joy)
(Oh, news of comfort and joy)
(Comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy)
(Comfort and joy, Oh, news of comfort and joy)
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: JOHN WICKHAM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind