“God
Rest You Merry, Gentlemen” (also known as “God Rest Ye
Merry, Gentlemen”) is an English traditional Christmas carol. The melody is in the minor mode. It was published by William B. Sandys in 1833, although the author is
unknown.
Like so many early Christmas
songs, this carol was written as a direct reaction to the music of the 15th
Century Church. During this period, the songs of organized religion were
usually written in Latin and their melodies were somber and dark, offering
singers and listeners little inspiration or joy. In fact, though few admitted
it in public, most church members secretly disliked the accepted religious
songs of the day. Yet the laymen of the time had no power over the way they
worshipped and had to accept things as they were. So, while they continued to
go to worship, they created their own church music outside the walls of the
cathedrals and chapels. In this way, the peasant class led a quiet rebellion
against the tone of religious music by writing religious folks songs that were
light, lively and penned in common language. Their Christmas folk songs became
the foundation of what are now known as Christmas carols.
You may also want to note that the word merry didn’t mean then what it means
now. Now it means happy but then it
meant strong and mighty. Robin Hood’s
men may have been happy but they were also strong and mighty.
✞ Yes, even this Christmas season we should remember that God is strong and mighty. Put your trust in Him.
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