12 Days of Christmas Songs Day 7 (Dec 21, 2024)

 12 Days of Christmas Songs Day 7

Nothing brings me more holiday nostalgia than Mannheim Steamroller’s Christmas songs. Growing up we’d always listen to them while decorating the tree. Turns out my husband’s family did as well! I guess it was part of our generation? Mannheim was the happenin’ Christmas rock group of our time? When I listen to those songs now it brings a big smile to my face & it takes me back to happy memories with my family. I can smell the pine needles, see the glow of the lights, & feel the silly dance moves bursting out of me & my siblings, haha. I mean, ya gotta move to many of their songs! Only later did I learn many were old hymns that actually had words. One favorite being “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” The earliest version of this carol dates back to the 1650s! So it’s been spreading good tidings of comfort & joy for a looong time.

I’m grateful for the memories & feelings this song invokes for me! And I’m grateful for any song that encourages me to rest! 😁

1 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.

Refrain:
O tidings of comfort and joy,
comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy.

2 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. [Refrain]

3 “Fear not,” then said the angel,
“Let nothing you affright;
this day is born a Savior
of a pure virgin bright,
to free all those who trust in Him
from Satan’s pow’r and might.” [Refrain]

4 The shepherds at those tidings
rejoiced much in mind,
and left their flocks afeeding,
in tempest, storm, and wind,
and went to Bethlehem straightway,
this blessed Babe to find. [Refrain]

5 Now to the Lord sing praises
all you within this place,
and with true love and brotherhood
each other now embrace;
this holy tide of Christmas
all other doth deface. [Refrain]

Art: Simon Dewey