Lyrics GOD REST YE MERRY, GENTLEMEN This carol first appeared in 1770 in a collection called Roxburgh Ballads.The melody was probably taken from a popular London street song of the time. The title actually means "God keep you in merry spirits, gentlemen". When Scrooge heard this cheerful song being sung outside his counting house, he threatened the poor singer with a ruler. The young man fled in terror. God rest ye 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. O, tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy. O, tidings of comfort and joy. In Bethlehen, in Jewry, This blessed babe was born And laid within a manger Upon this blessed morn; For which his mother Mary Did nothing take in scorn. O, tidings of comfort and joy. Comfort and joy. O, tidings of comfort and joy. From God, our Heav'nly Father A 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. "Fear not," then said the angel, "Let nothing you affright, This day is born a Savior Of virtue, power and might; To free all those who trust in Him From Satan's power and might. O, tidings of comfort and joy. Comfort and joy. O, tidings of comfort and joy. The shepherds at those tidings Rejoiced much in mind, And left their flocks a-feeding In tempest, storm and wind And went to Bethlehem straightway This blessed babe to find. O, tidings of comfort and joy. Comfort and joy. O, tidings of comfort and joy. But when to Bethlehem they came, Whereat this infant lay, They found him in a manger Where oxen feed on hay; His mother Mary, kneeling Unto the Lord did pray. O, tidings of comfort and joy. Comfort and joy. O, 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 others doth deface. O, tidings of comfort and joy. Comfort and joy. O, tidings of comfort and joy.