God rest you 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 Jewry,
This blessed babe was born;
And laid within a manger
Upon this blessed morn:
The which His mother Mary
Did nothing take in scorn:
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:
‘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:’
The shepherds at those tidings
Rejoiced much in mind,
And left their flocks a-feeding,
In tempest, storm and wind:
And went to Bethlehem straightaway,
The Son of God to find:
But 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:
Now to the Lord sing praises,
All you within this place,
And with true love and fellowship
Each other now embrace;
This holy tide of Christmas
All bitterness displace:
Song Meaning
This Christmas carol comforts listeners with the news that Christ the Savior was born to rescue people from Satan’s power.
Biblical Message
Luke 2:10–11 announces good news of great joy and the Savior’s birth. Hebrews 2:14–15 explains Christ’s deliverance from the power and fear of death.
Reflection
Christmas joy enters a world of real bondage and fear. The newborn Savior brings comfort through deliverance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main message of “God Rest You Merry Gentlemen”?
This Christmas carol comforts listeners with the news that Christ the Savior was born to rescue people from Satan’s power.
Which Bible passages connect with the song?
Luke 2:10–11 announces good news of great joy and the Savior’s birth. Hebrews 2:14–15 explains Christ’s deliverance from the power and fear of death.
When can this song be used in worship?
It suits Christmas services, carol singing, and seasonal outreach.