Anthony Burger - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen Lyrics
Lyrics
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
The 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 Heavenly 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 Saviour
Of a pure Virgin bright,
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
The Son of God to find.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
And when they came to Bethlehem
Where our dear Saviour lay,
They found Him in a manger,
Where oxen feed on hay;
His Mother Mary kneeling down,
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 other doth deface.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
Video
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Meaning & Inspiration
Anthony Burger’s instrumental rendition of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," released on January 1, 2001, as part of "The Christmas Collection," offers a profound meditation on one of Christianity's most enduring carols. While purely instrumental, Burger’s masterful piano interpretation transcends the absence of words, allowing the timeless message of comfort and divine intervention to resonate deeply. The original carol, dating back to the 16th century, serves as a powerful reminder of the pivotal event of Christ's birth, recounting the Nativity story not just as history, but as the foundational act of God's redemptive plan for humanity. It is a story of liberation from spiritual darkness and the dawning of an unprecedented era of grace, a narrative Burger’s performance skillfully brings to the forefront through his articulate touch and thoughtful arrangement.
The carol opens with an encouraging imperative: "God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay." This isn't merely a polite greeting but a divine assurance. To "rest merry" historically meant to be at peace and blessed by God, freed from worry. This theme finds deep resonance in Scripture, where Jesus Himself promises, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you" (John 14:27). Paul echoes this sentiment in Philippians 4:6-7, urging us not to be anxious but to present our requests to God, with the promise that "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Burger's opening notes often carry a weight of calm authority, inviting a sense of peace that reflects this divine promise, setting a contemplative yet confident tone for the journey into the Christmas story.
Central to the carol's message, and consequently Burger's interpretation, is the explicit declaration of Christ's purpose: "Remember, Christ, our Saviour, was born on Christmas day, to save us all from Satan's power, when we were gone astray." This powerful statement summarizes the core of the Gospel. Humanity, described as "gone astray" like lost sheep, found itself in need of a Shepherd, a Redeemer. Isaiah 53:6 poignantly states, "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all." The birth of Jesus, announced by the angel in Luke 2:11 as "a Savior, who is Christ the Lord," fulfills this ancient prophecy, offering liberation from the dominion of darkness, as Colossians 1:13-14 affirms: "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." Burger’s playing here often gains a purposeful depth, an undercurrent of divine resolve that underscores the weighty significance of this salvific mission.
The recurring refrain, "O tidings of comfort and joy," serves as the emotional and spiritual anchor of the carol, conveying the profound gladness that accompanies the revelation of God's love. This is not a superficial happiness but a deep, abiding comfort stemming from divine intervention. The angel's message to the shepherds in Luke 2:10 proclaimed, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." This "good news" is the birth of the Messiah, the fulfillment of prophecies like Isaiah 9:6, which foretold a child named "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Burger’s piano articulation of this refrain is frequently imbued with a hopeful brilliance, echoing the radiant light that broke through the darkness that first Christmas night. His performance becomes a conduit for that very joy, allowing the listener to internally echo those comforting tidings.
The carol then meticulously details the events of the Nativity, grounding the spiritual truth in historical fact. "In Bethlehem, in Israel, this blessed Babe was born, and laid within a manger, upon this blessed morn." This highlights the humility and specific location of God’s incarnation, fulfilling Micah 5:2, which prophesied Bethlehem as the birthplace of the ruler of Israel. Luke 2:4-7 describes this humble setting, where Jesus was laid in a manger "because there was no place for them in the inn." Burger’s musical treatment of these verses often shifts to a more tender, reverent approach, perhaps a softer dynamic or a more delicate phrasing, painting an auditory picture of the sacred, humble scene without needing a single word. His artistry allows the listener to contemplate the wonder of God becoming man in such unassuming circumstances, and Mary’s acceptance of her role with dignity, "did nothing take in scorn."
The arrival of the "blessed Angel" bringing "tidings" to the "certain Shepherds" encapsulates God's method of revealing His Son to the humble and overlooked. The angelic host proclaiming "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" (Luke 2:14) is a moment of divine spectacle. The angel's instruction, "Fear not then... This day is born a Saviour of a pure Virgin bright, to free all those who trust in Him from Satan's power and might," directly echoes the theme of salvation and freedom. Burger’s rendition often builds here, with a sense of awe and gentle grandeur, reflecting the heavenly announcement that changed human history. The music conveys the wonder and the profound significance of God choosing simple shepherds to receive this glorious news first.
The shepherds’ response is a model of faith and obedience: "Rejoiced much in mind, and left their flocks a-feeding... and went to Bethlehem straightway the Son of God to find." Their immediate action, driven by belief, underscores the urgency and transforming power of the angelic message. Luke 2:15-16 narrates their journey and discovery, finding Mary, Joseph, and the baby just as they had been told. Burger’s interpretation of these verses often picks up a gentle momentum, a sense of quiet determination reflecting the shepherds’ earnest search, culminating in a serene, almost reflective passage as they find the Holy Family. The music guides the imagination to that humble manger, where "His Mother Mary kneeling down, unto the Lord did pray," a moment of profound adoration.
The carol concludes with a universal call to worship and community: "Now to the Lord sing praises, all you within this place, and with true love and brotherhood each other now embrace." This stanza shifts from recounting the story to inviting participation, extending the joy of Christmas to all. It’s a call to communal praise and Christian fellowship, reflecting Psalm 150’s directive for all to praise the Lord and Hebrews 13:15, encouraging us to "continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise." Burger’s closing movements on the piano frequently swell with a spirit of exultation and warmth, bringing the piece to a celebratory yet reverent close. His performance leaves the listener not just with the beautiful strains of a traditional carol, but with a deeply renewed appreciation for the profound biblical narrative it encapsulates—a reminder of the comfort, joy, and saving grace that arrived with the Christ Child.