8 Days Until Christmas
SCRIPTURE
“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’” (Luke 2:15)
GOD REST YOU MERRY, GENTLEMEN
LYRICS
| God rest ye merry, gentlemen, 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, Comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy. In Bethlehem, in Israel, From God our Heavenly Father “Fear not then,” said the Angel, The shepherds at those tidings
|
 Illustration from 1860s sheet music published in 1860s. Bramley and Stainer Christmas Carols, New And Old, First Series. London: Novello & Co. But when to Bethlehem they came Now to the Lord sing praises, |
ABOUT THE CAROL
1. “God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen,” also known as “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” and “God Rest You Merry People All,” is an English traditional Christmas carol.
2. It was published by William B. Sandys in 1833, although the author is unknown.
3. The carol may have been written as early as the 15th century. In the earliest-known publication of the song, in 1760, it is described as a “new Christmas carol,” suggesting it was actually written in the mid-18th century.
4. The song is referred to in Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” which was published in 1843.
5. The comma in the first line comes after the word “merry,” so the song does not refer to “merry gentlemen.”
Sources:
PRAYER
God rest us merry, O God, as we await the birth of Christ. Amen.
