Favorite Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs of the Season: “GOD Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”

The background for this song is lacking, making it difficult to place its author and origin. The wording and tone do seem to give it an early English flare. It was well known in 1843 because it is mentioned in Charles Dickens famous “A Christmas Carol.” Ebenezer Scrooge heard it being sung outside the door of his office on Christmas Eve, and “seized the ruler with such energy of action, that the singer fled in terror.” I’m glad to say, that in all the years I have gone caroling, I was never chased away by some crazy guy wielding a ruler. I put this song on my list of favorites due to its Gospel Message; as the Angel said, “I bring you good news of great joy!” The first verse includes an exhortation to “Remember CHRIST our SAVIOR,” WHO came to save those who have gone astray from Satan’s power. The song goes on the retell, in poetry form, the facts of the birth of JESUS. HE was born to Mary in Bethlehem of Israel and laid in a manager. We’re reminded of the Angels who were sent by the Heavenly FATHER to certain shepherds with that GOOD NEWS, the GOSPEL. And “How that in Bethlehem was born The SON of GOD by NAME.” I believe that line is the most important part of the entire song. It speaks of the Truth of JESUS’ origin and purpose. Matthew 1:18-25 Tells us of the Angel’s words to Joseph, “’Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a SON, and they shall call HIS NAME IMMANUEL,’ ((which means, ‘GOD with us’).” Also, “You are to give Him the NAME JESUS, because HE will SAVE HIS people from their sins.” The real question from this song is, “Do we find REST, a sense of peace from the fear of wrath and eternal judgment? Are we ‘Merry People’ in the sense of being in a Blessed State in CHRIST JESUS?” If not, you might not fully understand what it means to have ‘Comfort and Joy’. May all who hear the message of CHRIST come to know HIM.

Russell Ashby