Whatever its inception, the carol grew in popularity and soon was sung by many. (May I be so bold as to suggest a woman may have created the song, as a diversion during household chores?!) So historians surmise that a peasant wrote this song, perhaps to be sung in his own home. The common folk would never have been allowed to compose music for worship, especially in English. However, we can make an educated guess about his motivation, to answer the question why he wrote this carol.Ĭhurch music of that time was rather dreary, and sung in Latin. The composer is unknown, so we have no record of the musical/ lyrical choices he made. My curiosity kicked in (it doesn’t take much), wanting to know why the composer would make such a choice.Īfter a bit of research, here’s what I discovered: This is an old carol, dating back to 15th century England. The words proclaim the joyous news of “Jesus Christ our Savior, born on Christmas Day, to save us all from Satan’s power when we were gone astray.” Yet the tune is in minor key, which gives the song an air of sadness. Such peace and blessing are ours in that single assurance!Īs I was decorating the house for Christmas and listening to carols, “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” caught my attention.
Thank you for providing through him the way to eternal life.
May your peace cover those memories, so they no longer cause anguish (John 14:27).įor all of us, Heavenly Father, may the blessing of Christmas include renewed wonder for the indescribable gift of your Son. Grant them liberating freedom from emotional distress. Oh, God, shower your tender, loving care upon those with hurts from the past, hurts that cast a shadow over the joys of the present. Struggling with painful memories of Christmases past. Out of your compassionate mercy, ease their burden, and out of your unfailing grace, grant them strength and favor (Hebrews 4:16). Oh, God, may the blessing of Christmas include grace and mercy for your children who are suffering through difficulty. Be a warm solace, I pray, to the one who feels alone.Įnduring hardship. I thank you for the promise that you are our refuge and strength, always ready to help when we need you (Psalm 46:1). Oh, God, wrap a loving embrace of your comfort around those who do not have family or friends with them this Christmas. May the prayers below speak a Merry Christmas blessing to you, especially if you are: The merriment around these folks seems a mockery of their despair. There are many people around us who need a divine touch, especially during the Christmas season. May he/she experience the blessing of your presence and your joy.” Oh, Lord, may your spirit of peace rest upon the life of this person. “Merry Christmas,” then, can be a prayer within a greeting. The anonymous poet was wishing peaceful, contented, joyful rest to others, as they remembered Christ their Savior. Wallis, Fleming Revell Co., 1977).ĭid you pause after the comma in the first line? Without it, the meaning changes.
“Merry Christmas” meant, “May you have a peaceful Christmas” and “May Christmas bring the blessing of God to you” ( Christmas by Charles L.
GOD REST YE MERRY GENTLEMEN LYRICS MEANING FULL
That would be in keeping with the definition of merry: full of high-spirited gaiety, delightful, entertaining, joyful, and mirthful.īut centuries ago the word merry denoted peacefulness and blessedness. When some folks say, “Merry Christmas” they mean, “I hope you have a fun and festive holiday.”
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