“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” is one of the oldest existing Christmas carols. It dates back to the 1500s and earlier. This English carol has undergone many changes over the years.

In the 15th Century, church music was typically sung in Latin and was dark and rather somber. Consequentially, most church goers did not like the religious songs of the period. So, the faithful counteracted this tone by singing more uplifting songs in the streets. The nightwatchmen are said to have sung “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” as they walked the streets of London.

The first printed version of the song appeared in 1760—when it is referred to as “Tidings of Comfort and Joy.” The melody was first in print in 1829, though it was likely used long before that. The melody and lyrics were first published together in 1833 in a collection titled, “Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern,” compiled by William Sandys. This collection also included “The First Noel” and “I Saw Three Ships.”

It is interesting to consider the lyrics in light of their original meaning. In the 17th Century, “rest” as it is used in this song meant “to keep or continue.” This usage of “rest” was obsolete by 1760. The text has changed several times over the years. In today’s language, the first line could read, “May God keep you in contented spirits, folks.”

“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” has been a traditional carol since the mid-18th Century. Some speculate that this is due to Queen Victoria’s love of carols.

Charles Dickens referenced the song in his classic, “A Christmas Carol.” The song describes how Jesus has come to “save us all from Satan’s power when we were gone astray” which is an appropriate theme for all mankind—and epitomized by Scrooge.

“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” is somber and yet uplifting and inspiring. It is centered around the birth of Christ and conveys the Christmas message of hope and abundant joy.

In today’s world filled with unrest, we, too, need the message, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” or “May God Keep you in contented spirits, folks.”

Here are the 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!

From God our Heavenly Father

A blessed angel came

And unto certain shepherds

Brought tidings of the same

How in that 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 pow'r 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

This blessed babe to find

But when to Bethlehem they came

Whereat this infant lay

They found him in a manger

Where oxen feed on hay

His mother Mary kneeling

Unto the Lord did pray

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 others doth deface