December 7

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

by Larry Revert

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0grjzmVKBM

Who are these Merry Gentlemen?  You may discover these gentlemen to be the SHEPHERDS.  In Biblical times these shepherds were not considered to be gentlemen but most likely the lowest class of men.  They are people Jesus Christ came to save; those in dismay, poor souls being attacked by Satan who has led them astray.  The theme in this song is the comfort and joy Jesus brings.

The angels come to the shepherds with tidings of good news who take this good news to mind and leave their flocks to see the blessed baby. Told that the Son of God was born in Bethlehem, the shepherds respond in faith.   The picture they saw was not of a dirty stable but of a sweet Savior baby and his mother kneeling in prayer, bringing them the comfort and joy they so needed.

Finding the Baby changes their lives as they go away singing praises because of what they have seen and experienced, the true love of God.  The word deface at the end of the carol has the meaning “efface, outshine, eclipse”.  Basically, this was the greatest event in their lives causing them to embrace this truth, be a brotherhood of shepherds willing to accept and share the comfort and joy offered to them.

The words of this song about the shepherds should help us to reflect on our own lives.

Where do you need comfort and joy?  Has this last year brought you pain and loss? 

This Christmas let us worship the Savior who came to seek and to save the lost, to give us comfort and joy no matter what happens in our lives or who we are.