Another of my favorite Christmas carols is actually a song that was not originally part of the Church Mass. "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" is a great song, with great rhythms and lyrics, and a melody that is very catchy. This song dates back from the fifteenth century (that's the 1400's for you non-edumacated folk) when Church music was for Church only and not very fun to listen to or sing. Through a small, quiet rebellion outside Church walls, peasants would create their own music to worship their God. These songs, though never sung inside the walls of the Church, helped spread the story of Jesus birth, life, and resurrection. "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" is one of these non-sanctioned songs.
Many people today do not understand the meaning of this song. Since it was written in the 1400's, you must relate the meanings of the words used in that time. When we say "Merry Christmas" today, "merry" means "happy." However, in the fifteenth century, during the time of Robin Hood and his Merry Men, "merry" did not necessarily mean "happy," but "mighty." "Rest" is another word that had a different meaning in fifteenth century peasantry. "Rest" also meant "keep" or "make." So, using these meanings, "God rest ye merry gentlemen" becomes "God make you mighty gentlemen." Clever, huh?
Here's one of my favorite artists singing "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen." And have a "MIGHTY CHRISTMAS!"
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