"I discovered this song while in high school. I remember the first time I heard it come on the radio. I was driving down a farm road in my home town of Salina, UT. It was a winter evening during the Christmas season and when this song came on it instantly resonated with me unlike any Christmas song had before. I found myself constantly tuning the radio to various stations searching for it. At first I just thought the song was a catchy version of a classic Christmas song, but over the years this song, specifically this arrangement, has become my personal favorite and a song that I find myself thinking about and silently singing year round. Even though this arrangement takes on a modern twist, the message is enhanced in my mind and stands out in a modern era."
"God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen is a traditional English Christmas carol. This carol dates back to the 16th century possibly earlier. As one of the oldest carols known, it has many variants and is known by many various titles. One thing that rings true of all the variants is that the lyrics speak of Christ's mission and His role in each of our lives as our Redeemer and Savior. As I read the lyrics, I am reminded of God's love for each of us and that although at times I may feel as though I am alone, I am not forgotten. God remembers us and he provided his Son, Jesus Christ, to be not only our Redeemer, but a Constant Light to guide us through our trials. 'And behold, there shall a new star arise, such an one as ye never have beheld; and this also shall be a sign unto you.' (Hel 14:5) Just as God provided a guiding star to the shepherds, he has provided us with guiding stars of our own. We can look to the scriptures, our church leaders, and Christ's example to feel God's love and guide us through difficult times. When the lyrics are translated, rest means 'to keep, cause to remain.' I personally interpret 'God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay' as a reminder that though all of life's turmoils we should remain cheerful God has a plan for us and we are not forgotten. 'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life' (John 3:16)."
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
Performed by: The Barenaked Ladies feat. Sarah McLachlan
God rest ye merry, gentlemen,
Let nothing you dismay,
Remember Christ our Savior
Was born upon this 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
This blessed angel came;
And unto certain shepherds
Brought tidings of the same;
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by name.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy!
O, star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.
Born a king on Bethlehem's plain;
Gold I bring to crown Him again;
King forever, ceasing never,
Over us all to reign.
O, star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.
Glorious now behold Him arise,
King and God and sacrifice,
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Worshiping God most high.
O, star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.
God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay
God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay
God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay
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