Ca. 1800. Oprindelig gadevers fra London.
1. God rest you merry, gentlemen,
Let nothing you dismay,
Remember Christ our Saviour
Was bom on Christmas Day,
To save poor souls from Satan's power
Which had long time gone astray,
And it's tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy:
And it's tidings of comfort and joy.
2. From God that is our Father,
The blessed angels came,
Unto some certain shepherds
With tidings of the same,
That there was born in Bethlehem,
The Son of God by name.
And it's tidings of comfort and joy.
3. Go, fear not, said God's angels,
Let nothing you affright,
For there is born in Bethlehem,
of a pure Virgin bright,
One able to advance you,
And throw down Satan quite.
And it's tidings of comfort and joy.
4. The shepherds at those tidings
Rejoiced much in mind,
And left their flocks a-feeding
In tempest, storm and wind,
And straight they came to Bethlehem,
The Son of God to find.
And it's tidings of comfort and joy.
5. Now when they came to Bethlehem,
Where our sweet Saviour lay,
They found him in a manger,
Where oxen feed on hay,
The blessed Virgin kneeling down,
Unto the Lord did pray.
And it's tidings of comfort and joy.
6. With sudden joy and gladness,
The shepherds were beguil'd,
To see the Babe of Israel,
Before his mother mild.
an them with joy and cheerfulness,
Rejoice each mother's child.
And it's tidings of comfort and joy.
7. Now to the Lord sing praises,
All you within this place,
Like we true loving brethren,
Each other to embrace,
For the merry time of Christmas
Is drawing on apace.
And it's tidings of comfort and joy.
8. God bless the ruler of this house,
And send him long to reign,
And many a merry Christmas
May live to see again
Among your friends and kindred,
That live both far and near,
And God send you a happy New Year.
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