O Tidings of Comfort and Joy

      Sacred Christmas Carol Medley including the French carol "Sing We Now of Christmas" and the Old English carol "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" -   
              arranged by Betsy Lee Bailey

Sing we now of Christmas, Noel sing we here!
Hear our grateful praises to the babe so dear.
Sing we Noel! The King is born Noel! Noel!
Sing we Noel! The King is born Noel!
Sing we now of Christmas, Sing we here Noel!

From God our Heavenly Father the 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!

In Bethlehem they found them, Joseph and Mary mild
Seated by the manger watching the holy child.
Sing we Noel! The King is born Noel! Noel!
Sing we Noel! The King is born Noel!
Sing we now of Christmas, Sing we here Noel!
Sing we here Noel! Sing we here Noel! 
Sing we here Noel!

Now to the Lord sing praises all you within this place.
And with true love and brotherhood 
                             these tidings now embrace:
This blessed King of Israel has saved us by His grace.
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy!
O tidings of comfort and joy!

About the Song - I wanted a song to convey the feeling of haste that the shepherds felt when they rushed to see the holy babe that first Christmas night.  I have always loved the old English Carol "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" but had no use for the opening line.  This merging of two carols, using only the most pertinent lyrics, creates an entirely new piece.  Enjoy!