24 Sleeps till Christmas

And so it begins; for the first time this year can I start by wishing you all a very Merry Christmas.

Can I also make my apologies now for I know that it’s not always the merriest time of year for some and the season can be celebrated in different ways by other faiths and religions. However I must write in the spirit in which it means to me; and that is Love and Fun for Everyone.

So I truly hope; for those that:

• are unable to enjoy the season; you are okay and able to be with family and friends at this time of year
• celebrate this time of year in your special way; your celebrations are fulfilling and bring you joy
• just like a bit of a knees up; stay safe, drink sensibly and make sure your address is written on your forehead for the taxi ride home

Right, enough of the Claus’s (snigger, I crack myself up) let’s take a trip down nostalgia lane with this lovely Carol that I first heard when I was a youngster.

I am a big fan of the Lewis Carroll story A Christmas Carol. As sad as it may sound I have a collection of different version of the movie except I’m afraid to say the animation that I first heard this played.

It dates back so far that no one really knows its true origins or author but has been sung at all types of events from concerts to movies to kids on the street. As you can imaging, being such an old carol there have been many versions to the lyrics so I’ve put together what I think reads the best.

So without further ado here is:

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

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 pow’r

When we were gone astray

 

Oh tidings of comfort and joy

Comfort and joy

Oh 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

 

Oh tidings of comfort and joy

Comfort and joy

Oh 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 birth

To free all those who trust in him

From Satan’s pow’r and might

 

Oh tidings of comfort and joy

Comfort and joy

Oh 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,

This blessed Babe to find

 

Oh tidings of comfort and joy

Comfort and joy

Oh tidings of comfort and joy

 

In Bethlehem, in Israel

This blessed Babe was born

And laid within a manager

Upon this blessed morn

The which His Mother Mary

Did nothing take to scorn

 

Oh tidings of comfort and joy

Comfort and joy

Oh 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

 

Oh tidings of comfort and joy

Comfort and joy

Oh tidings of comfort and joy

 

If you’d like to here the carol this version by Anne Lennox is particularly festive, go check it out.

Image from Pinterest, modified by JRFC