The Gift of Glad Tidings for the Season

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Bad news abounds.  That's a sad fact.  No matter how much we long for peace and goodwill, daily events show us that this isn't a reality for many people around the world.  And maybe, right now, it's not a reality for you.  And all the bright lights and glitter of the holidays can't change that or make it right.


In approximately 4 BC, Rome ruled the western world.  Even though the "Pax Romana" ("Roman peace") was a period of relative order and stability, the wealthy got wealthier, the poor were downtrodden, and the era was marked by revolts, wars, slavery, and increasing imperialism.  To the Romans, peace didn't mean an absence of war, but the situation that existed when all opponents had been beaten down and lost the ability to resist.  Of course, this was enforced by Roman-appointed governors, occupying armies, and severe punishments such as crucifixion.


Not very Christmassy, is it?


Yet Jesus was born into this difficult time.  The Bible says he was a "light shining in the darkness" (John 1:5) and "a savior born to you" (Luke 2:11).  More specifically, Jesus was the Savior sent from God to show God's favor and kindness, peace and goodwill to all people (Luke 2:14).


These are the "tidings of comfort and joy" that the Christmas carol "God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen" talks about.  There's also the line, "Let nothing you dismay!"  Really?  But there's so much for us to be dismayed about, especially if we watch, hear, or read the bad tidings repeated over and over on all media.  (Shock and horror gains an audience, which translates to more advertising dollars.)


holiday night




It's not about taking a nap.


I've always loved this carol, partly because of the Renaissance-era tune.  Even though the words might be newer (they were first printed in 1760), the tune has probably been around for at least 500 years.  That's really cool!  Shakespeare might have sung it.


Although this ancient tune is in a minor key, it's not sad.  In fact, the rhythm is a bit jazzy.  It's sprightly.  And the words are full of hope.


God rest you 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 had gone astray.
Oh tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy,
Oh tidings of comfort and joy!


From God our heavenly Father the blessed angel came,
And unto certain shepherds brought tidings of the same,
How that in Bethlehem was born the Son of God by name.
Oh tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy,
Oh tidings of comfort and joy.


But when they came to Bethlehem where our dear Savior lay,
They found him in a manger where oxen feed on hay,
His mother Mary, kneeling down, unto the Lord did pray.
Oh tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy,
Oh tidings of comfort and joy.


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 other doth deface.
Oh tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy,
Oh tidings of comfort and joy!


So who are these merry gentlemen that are supposed to be resting?  Actually, words change meaning over the centuries, and "rest" used to mean "keep" or "continue."  "Merry" meant "strong" or "mighty" (like Robin Hood's "merry" men).  So the song isn't about happy guys taking a nap, which is what I thought when I was a kid.  Shakespeare uses the phrase "rest you merry" in Romeo and Juliet to mean "I wish you peace and happiness."  You could put the lyric into modern language as "May God keep you in glad spirits, people."  Or it could be a promise that God will keep you safe and strong through Jesus, because he was born to save you.


Did you know that Charles Dickens references this song in a A Christmas Carol?  Since it's the only song mentioned, perhaps it's the carol the title suggests.  Jesus came to "save us all from Satan's power when we had gone astray," and that's a pretty good description of what happens to Scrooge.


"God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen" is solemn, yet uplifting.  In today's world, filled with much to dismay us, we need this message.


May God comfort you can keep you joyful, now and always.





If you'd like to listen...


I love this Middle Eastern-inspired version by Canadian Celtic artist Loreena McKennitt, from her wonderful album A Midwinter Night's Dream.*


* This blog is powered by reader support.  If you buy through my links, I may earn a small commission.


I know you'll enjoy this amazing arrangement by Matt Riley that mashes "God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen" with "Carol of the Bells."  It's played by an excellent high school orchestra and talented 15-year-old violinist Audrey Park.


Finally, enjoy a classic Nat King Cole recording, rock out to this version by Simply Three, and then cool off with a smooth jazz rendition by Hozier.





If you want more songs...


This is the seventh year I've written about holiday music, and you can check out my posts from 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 for more musical joy and inspiration.


Do you enjoy my work? Why not buy me a coffee for Christmas?

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