I never understood the title of this song. It became one of those things I stopped questioning a long time ago and just sang along with everyone else.
The other day, though, an explanation of this song was given to me and it changed my perception. It also brought me a lot of hope.
The Old English translation of this line had the comma in a different place – after ‘merry’ instead of after ‘ye’. Also, the meaning of the word ‘rest’ originally meant “make” or “keep”, and the word “merry” meant “mighty” or “great”. This changes the connotation from God resting merry gentlemen (which, as we know, doesn’t make any sense), to God make you mighty, gentlemen.
God make you mighty, gentlemen, let nothing dismay you.
Dismay is easy to come by. Every day is full of opportunities for dismay.
dis·may [dis-mey]
verb
to break down the courage of completely, as by sudden danger or trouble; dishearten thoroughly; daunt
But we are made mighty, through the hope of Emmanuel, God with us.
Isaiah 41:10
Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice.
Remember Christ our Savior 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.
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