God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen is an 18th century English carol that’s been a source of Christmas celebration for generations. Here’s our arrangement for eight handbells and piano – with a delightful and exciting metric twist!
God rest you merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay;
remember Christ, our Savior was born on Christmas Day
to save us all from Satan’s pow’r when we were gone astray.
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.
From God our heav’nly 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.
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.
“Fear not,” then said the angel, “Let nothing you affright;
this day is born a Savior, the true and radiant light,
to free all those who trust in him from Satan’s pow’r and might.”
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.
Now to the Lord sing praises, all you within this place,
and in true love and fellowship each other now embrace;
this holy tide of Christmas is filled with heav’nly grace.
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.
The eight bells in the score are accompanied by piano; if you don’t happen to have an accompanist available, we also have an accompaniment MP3 available for purchase.
Purchasing this 8-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to four copies for your handbell group (plus the accompaniment score, if part of the purchase) – so you only need to pay once. Purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title and arranger of the piece on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs.
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