The Meaning of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”

"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" wins the prize for Christmas carols that we completely blow through without giving a lot of thought to, except for maybe, "I have no idea what that means!" The language is archaic to our 21st century ears, and the confusing placement of the comma in the first line doesn't help either.

Ask an average caroler what the song's opening lyrics are driving at and they'll probably say, "It's a Christmas greeting to happy people!" Well, sort of. But the message is so much more than that, and it takes a little etymological study to get to the heart of it. First, let's talk about the word "rest." This word historically means more than just "take a nap." It encompasses the idea of "remaining" or "continuing in." The synonym keep is actually a great word to describe the concept. And, in conjunction with a request to God, we might say something like "God keep you safe."

Finally, let's talk about the comma. The opening line of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" is often presented with a comma between "ye" and "merry." But that's not correct. The song isn't being sung to happy listeners, but rather to unhappy listeners. Properly, the break is between "merry" and "gentlemen": "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen!" 

 Putting it all together, what do we have? It's a prayer, even an exhortation: "God keep you joyful, Gentlemen! Don't be sad or dismayed! Why? Because Jesus Christ has come to set us free from Satan's power and from our sin! These are tidings of comfort and joy!" Hmm. That sounds oftly familiar, doesn't it? 

"Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:10-11) 

Author Erik Raymond puts it this way: "Again and again, ["God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"] acknowledges our tendency towards discouragement and points us to the person and work of Christ. I think the hymn-writer wants to make us happy in God. He does this by reminding us of the kindness that ordered and accomplished the incarnation, as well as the success of the mission itself."

So, the next time you sing this old carol, heed it's invitation, and rejoice: Jesus the Savior is born--for you.