Day 4 | God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Scripture to Ponder: Romans 8:18-39

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen is an English traditional Advent hymn that dates back as early as the 16th century, though most appearances of it are from the 18th century and beyond. Rest here means the assurance that the “merry gentlemen” are kept by God. This carol is a celebration of what God accomplished through the birth, life, and death of Christ. Upon the advent of Christ, all who believe have the assurance that the salvation promised in Genesis 3 is secured by his death and resurrection. The baby in the manger grew up to be the One who crushed the Serpent’s head. Take comfort in the glad tidings (good news) of God the Son being born to secure our salvation.

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen | Traditional English Carol
16th Century

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 pow'r
When we were gone astray
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
Oh tidings of comfort and joy

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 pow'r
When we were gone astray
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
Oh tidings of comfort and joy

In Bethlehem, in Israel
This blessed Babe was born
And laid within a manger
Upon this blessed morn
The which His Mother Mary
Did nothing take in scorn
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
Oh tidings of comfort and joy

Fear not then, said the Angel
Let nothing you affright
This day is born a Savior
Of a pure Virgin bright
To free all those who trust in Him
From Satan's pow'r and might
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
Oh tidings of comfort and joy

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 pow'r
When we were gone astray
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
Oh tidings of comfort and joy