Classic Christian Hymns · Public-domain text

God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen

Traditional English carol

Traditional English Carols are historic folk-hymns that originated in local villages during the Middle Ages. Originally, 'carols' were celebratory circle dances accompanied by singing, often banned by strict church authorities who preferred formal Latin liturgy. Undeterred, rural communities passed these songs down orally through generations, singing them in fields, streets, and homes to keep the story of Christ's birth alive. Their survival is a beautiful testament to the power of community-driven worship, proving that the most enduring faith songs are those born from the hearts of everyday people.

Source: Public-domain traditional carol

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 that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by name
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
This blessed Babe to find
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