Title: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen

Speaker: Rev. Jason Van Bemmel

Series: Advent Devotionals 2025

Date: December 16, 2025

Bible: Luke 2:8-20; Galatians 4:4-7

Advent Devo #12: The Hidden Meaning of "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen"

Have you been singing this Christmas carol wrong all these years? In today’s Advent devotional, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel dives into the rich history and theology of one of the oldest English folk carols, "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen."

In this video, we explore:

The Comma Matters: Why the title isn't addressing "merry gentlemen," but is actually a prayer that God would "keep you merry" (meaning strong and joyful).

Folk Origins: How this song emerged in the 15th century as a way for common people to share the Gospel in the streets, long before it was written down or brought into the church.

Theology of Joy: Looking at Galatians 4 to understand how the "tidings of comfort and joy" are rooted in our adoption as sons and heirs, freeing us from the slavery of the law.

Scripture References:

Luke 2:10-11

Galatians 4:4-7

Speaker: Pastor Jason Van Bemmel Church: Forest Hill Presbyterian Church

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