GOD REST YE MERRY GENTLEMEN

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

In Bethlehem, in Israel,This blessed Babe was born And laid within a manger Upon this blessed morn The which His Mother Mary Did nothing take in scorn O tidings of comfort and joy,Comfort and joy O tidings of comfort and joy

From God our Heavenly 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.O tidings of comfort and joy,Comfort and joy O tidings of comfort and joy

"Fear not then," said the Angel,"Let nothing you affright,This day is born a Saviour Of a pure Virgin bright,To free all those who trust in Him From Satan's power and might."O tidings of comfort and joy,Comfort and joy O tidings of comfort and joy

The shepherds at those tidings Rejoiced much in mind,And left their flocks a-feeding In tempest, storm and wind: And went to Bethlehem straightway The Son of God to find.O tidings of comfort and joy,Comfort and joy O tidings of comfort and joy

And when they came to Bethlehem Where our dear Saviour lay,They found Him in a manger,Where oxen feed on hay; His Mother Mary kneeling down,Unto the Lord did pray.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 All other doth deface.O tidings of comfort and joy,Comfort and joy O tidings of comfort and joy

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.