A traditional, old English Christmas carol was found written on an anonymous manuscript in the 1650s titled, 鈥淕od Rest You Merry, Gentlemen.鈥 Ultimately, a beloved song of the Church, this carol of antiquity has provided authentic comfort and joy to Christians through the centuries.
Over time, this carol would undergo a series of modifications to its melodic arrangement to finally reach the completed standard we play today. To note, the historic meaning of the opening phrase is, 鈥淢ay God grant you peace and happiness.鈥 According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the phrase has been commonly used from 1534 to the modern era.
Through each ascending generation, this glorious carol has been sung during the holiday season, proclaiming tidings of good news that would bring the listener eternal comfort and joy, through faith in Jesus. Christian carolers around the world gleefully harmonize those spiritual truths articulated in its lyrics. The message, put to music, awakens the soul and lifts the spirit of the listener. It is God alone Who provides this solace to a yearning seeker!
As with the numerous carols of that era, its lyrics are filled with theological truth, emphasizing the advent of the Saviour, Jesus Christ, who came into the world to conquer death, hell and the grave for the lost sinner. Indeed, this carol is a proclamation of the power of Christ to save the spiritually lost from the grip of Satan and the power of sin to the soul鈥檚 destruction. The carol writers had paused to ponder the ancient sacred text that prophesized of a child born of a virgin鈥檚 womb (Jesus鈥 humanity), and a Son given (the deity of Christ), to be our Lord and Saviour.
Jesus鈥 name would be called, 鈥淲onderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace鈥 (Isaiah 9:6). The promises that were fulfilled two thousand years ago continue to bring us perpetual comfort of soul and joy in our spirit. Indeed, no reason for any gentleman to be dismayed with these glorious promises!
Boldly proclaimed in a few short verses, the good news is delineated verse by verse. The carol, in part, says:
鈥淕od rest ye, merry gentlemen
Remember Christ our Saviour
Was born on Christmas Day.
To save us all from Satan鈥檚 pow鈥檙
When we were gone astray,
Oh tidings of comfort and joy,
Oh tidings of comfort and joy!
Fear not then, said the Angel
Let nothing you affright,
This day is born a Saviour
To free all those who trust in Him,
From Satan鈥檚 pow鈥檙 and might,
Oh tidings of comfort and joy,
Oh tidings of comfort and joy!鈥
As we celebrate the Christmas season, may we lift up our voices in song to this beloved carol. The impact of its message brings humanity the message of hope in Christ the Lord. There is not a shopping mall, online shopping app nor material object that can provide the unspeakable gift offered to us all. The gift of salvation by grace alone, through faith in The Holy One, Jesus Christ, the Lord.
May you receive these good tidings of great joy provided through the love of our Heavenly Father. I pray you and your family experience the utmost comfort and joy this holiday, and throughout the year. God bless us everyone!
Jon Shonebarger is the Middle Tennessee Division Chaplain for the Department of Tennessee 性视界APPn Legion. His email is jtshonebarger@gmail.com.
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