The last days of the year always seem hopeful to me. I suppose it’s because all those good feelings of Christmas are still riding high in the thoughts of my mind. What ever the reason, as the current year draws to a close and the new year quickly approaches I always feel a hopefulness for things to come.
The song Good Christian Men Rejoice embodies that hope that dwells in my heart. The song is among the oldest Christmas carols, you can read about the journey it took to reach us all the way from the 14th Century by going here.
Good Christian Men Rejoice
Good Christian men, rejoice with heart and soul, and voice;
Give ye heed to what we say: News! News! Jesus Christ is born today;
Ox and sheep before Him bow; and He is in a manger now.
Christ is born today! Christ is born today!
Good Christian men, rejoice, with heart and soul and voice;
Now ye hear of endless bliss: Joy! Joy! Jesus Christ was born for this!
He hath opened the heavenly door, and man is blest forevermore.
Christ was born for this! Christ was born for this!
Good Christian men, rejoice, with heart and soul and voice;
Now ye need not fear the grave: Peace! Peace! Jesus Christ is born to save!
Call you one and call you all, to gain His everlasting hall.
Christ was born to save! Christ was born to save!
As you might have guessed, I’m partial to Pap and Paul’s version of Good Christian Men Rejoice. You can hear their version below.
——————–
We are very grateful and humbled by all the folks who have purchased Pap and Paul’s Songs of Christmas cds-THANK YOU! It really is packed with some of the best Christmas music I have ever heard.
If you’d like to buy Songs of Christmas go here.
Tipper
Cheryl-thank you for the comment! So glad you enjoy the Blind Pig and The Acorn : ) Yes I made the decoration.
I’ve always liked this carol. Thanks, as always, for the historical insight and link to the article.
Tipper,
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to the Blind Pig Gang. I have really enjoyed all your Christmas posts. I really like the little scene in the jar on this page. Is this something you made? If so could you give me instructions?
Thanks,
Cheryl
Honestly, I don’t remember ever hearing this Christmas song. Thanks for bringing to my attention – I love the way Pap and Paul sang it. Just touching and beautiful!
Tipper,
Paul and Pap’s Songs of Christmas are a favorite of mine too. The first song I have in my bookmarks is “Just a Touch of the Past.” Of all the songs they do, that one is my pick…Ken
Goodness! That was a great job. I never get tired of listening to Paul, Pap, and the rest of the gang.
Hope you all had a great Christmas and am praying for a blessed New Year.
I enjoyed accessing the blog that told the story behind “Good Christian Men, Rejoice!” The bravery of Susso and Neale in holding to their beliefs despite exile and persecution is inspiring. And about the last days of the year–between Christmas and New Year’s, I, too, feel hopeful. Well, to be perfectly honestly, I might tend to be just a little “down” when I think of tasks I had hoped to finish in the current year which I didn’t complete–and will carry into the next. But generally I’m hopeful for another opportunity, another year to make progress, set goals, seek to accomplish them, and just be alive! So as 2015 wanes and 2016 dawns, remember HOPE:
H-here and now, herein lies hopefulness;
O-opportunities will come;
P-participate day by day in what life offers;
E-embrace each day: “This is the day which the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118;24
Happy New Year!