The classic English Christmas carol “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” has long been a beloved staple of the Advent and Christmas season. The origins of the carol stretch back to at least the 16th century, with the current well-known version dating to the 1800s.
The opening line, “God rest ye merry gentlemen,” is a traditional English greeting, wishing that the gentlemen would have rest and cheer this Christmas. As the hymn continues, we see that true rest and merriment come from remembering Christ’s birth:
“Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas day to save us all from Satan’s power when we were gone astray.”
This reminds us of the incredible gift of Jesus’ birth, as promised throughout Scripture. As prophesied in Isaiah:
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
The chorus then offers perhaps the key line theologically:
“O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy.”
Why comfort and joy? Because this baby born in Bethlehem came to redeem us, taking on flesh and blood to become the perfect sacrifice that we could never be. As we read in Hebrews:
“Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil” (Hebrews 2:14)
May reflecting on Christ’s birth this season fill us with comfort and joy indeed! What an incredible gift that God himself would send his Son for us. Just as the angels proclaimed that first Christmas night:
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)
Glory to God in the highest! Let us REST in the comfort and joy of Emmanuel, God with us, this Christmas and always.
Josh Cehulik 