God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen

I have always loved Christmas songs. I remember when I was little and would decorate the tree with my mom she had Gene Autry's Christmas playing. My favorite was, of course, "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," and I would laugh and laugh over the words in that song.

I got a little older and the Carpenter's A Christmas Portrait album was the Christmas music of choice while decorating the tree with Christy and Mom. We simply couldn't start Christmas without hearing Karen Carpenter's smooth voice sing out "Froooosteeeeed window panes, candles gleaming inside, painted candy canes on the tree...." This album has been a continued favorite of mine, and now even Michael loves listening to Karen Carpenter sing about Christmas. We have her album on CD to listen to in the car, imported onto our computers, and imported onto our PlayStation hard drive so that we can listen to her through our TV while doing things around the house. Her voice is so classic, and the songs she sings are timeless. NO ONE does "Merry Christmas, Darling" like she does.

Songs like that are fun, and will always have a place in my heart, but the past couple of years have led me to Christmas songs that are more about the birth of Jesus rather than snow and sleigh rides. A couple of years ago I was ravished by "O Holy Night" and the message of redemption that it gives. Christmas is truly about Jesus coming to earth to die for our sins, and Christmas songs that talk about his birth have become almost worship songs to me. It hit me yesterday afternoon as I was driving home listening to "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," and I found myself raising my hands in praise for the Saviour that came to us so we could be forgiven and spend eternity with Him.

One song that I have always loved because of its haunting melody and Old English diction is"God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen." I've noticed that it has become increasingly popular over the past couple of years. Most of us know the first line or two, but I've been listening to it more closely and more frequently, and the message of hope in this song has completely won me over. This is now in my top 5 favorite Christmas songs. Please read these lyrics and let the message sink into your soul like a salve.

God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Saviour was born on Christmas 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!

In Bethlehem, in Israel, this blessed babe was born
And laid within a manger upon this blessed morn
Did which his mother Mary did nothing take in scorn
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy!
O tidings of comfort and joy!

"Fear not then!" said the angel, "Let nothing you afright,
This day is born a Saviour of a pure virgin bright
To free all those who trust in Him of Satan's power and might."
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy!
O tidings of comfort and joy!

Now to the Lord sing praises, all ye within this place
And with true love and brotherhood each other now embrace
This holy tide of Christmas all others doth deface
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy!
O tidings of comfort and joy!

My prayer for you this season is that you stop for a moment, an hour, an evening, a day, and remember why we celebrate Christmas. Or maybe this is the season you discover why we celebrate. Either way, God our Father is rich in power and mercy, and He wants you to find rest and peace in His arms.

"Because you love Me, I will therefore deliver you. I will set you securely on a high place, because you know My name. You will call upon Me, and I will answer you. I will be with you in trouble. I will rescue you and honor you. With a long life I will satisfy you and let you see My salvation." Psalm 91:14-16

May God give you rest and happiness, Gentlemen.