God Rest You Merry
music by bob padgett
words: tradtional olde english, 15th c.
(adapted by bob padgett—stanzas 1, 3, 4, & 7)
December 19, 2007—Stony Brook, NY
©2007 clamchop creative studio
(lyrics public domain)

for Saskia, Christmas 2007


God rest you merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
For Jesus Christ, our Savior,
Was born upon this 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

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 Savior
Of a Virgin pure and 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

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

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