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Christmas Carol History: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen This is one of the oldest Christmas carols still sung today, with roots reaching all the way back to the 1500s in England. Unlike many hymns that emerged from cathedrals or formal choirs, this one rose from the streets, marketplaces, and gatherings of ordinary believers. Its exact author is unknown. It was a song for common people who wanted to celebrate the joy of Christ in a world that often felt heavy and uncertain. One of the biggest misconceptions is the phrase “rest ye merry.” In old English it did not mean “relax, gentlemen.” It meant “stay joyful” or “remain steadfast in your courage.” The message was simple. Let nothing steal your joy, because the birth of Christ announces comfort, hope, and victory over every fear. The carol spread across England because it was easy to sing and carried a message the everyday believer could cling to. In a time marked by sickness, poverty, and social upheaval, this carol reminded Christians that Christ came to break the power of sin and deliver His people from darkness. It offered something deeper than seasonal cheer. It offered true comfort and real joy rooted in the gospel. The staying power of the hymn is its boldness. It does not tiptoe around the meaning of Christmas. It declares that the Savior has come, that fear does not have the final word, and that joy is not fragile when it is anchored in Christ.