Composer

:

Cyril Alington

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

2:18

"Good Christian Men, Rejoice" is a popular Christmas carol that was composed by Cyril Alington in the early 20th century. The carol is based on a medieval Latin hymn called "In Dulci Jubilo," which was written by an unknown author in the 14th century. Alington's version of the carol features four verses and a refrain, and it is typically performed in a lively and joyful manner. The carol was first published in 1928 in the Oxford Book of Carols, which was edited by Percy Dearmer, Martin Shaw, and Ralph Vaughan Williams. It quickly became a popular Christmas hymn in England and the United States, and it has since been translated into many different languages. The first verse of the carol begins with the words "Good Christian men, rejoice, with heart and soul and voice; give ye heed to what we say: Jesus Christ is born today!" This verse sets the tone for the rest of the carol, which celebrates the birth of Jesus and encourages Christians to rejoice and be glad. The second verse of the carol focuses on the angels who announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds in the fields. It begins with the words "Christ is born today! Christ is born today! Good Christian men, rejoice, with heart and soul and voice." The third verse of the carol describes the scene of the nativity, with the shepherds and the wise men gathered around the manger. It begins with the words "Now ye hear of endless bliss: Jesus Christ was born for this! He hath opened heaven's door, and man is blessed evermore." The fourth verse of the carol is a prayer to Jesus, asking him to bless and protect his followers. It begins with the words "Now ye need not fear the grave: Jesus Christ was born to save! Calls you one and calls you all, to gain his everlasting hall." The refrain of the carol is a repetition of the first line of the first verse: "Good Christian men, rejoice, with heart and soul and voice; give ye heed to what we say: Jesus Christ is born today!" Overall, "Good Christian Men, Rejoice" is a joyful and celebratory Christmas carol that encourages Christians to rejoice in the birth of Jesus and to remember the blessings that he has brought to the world. Its lively melody and uplifting lyrics have made it a beloved part of the Christmas season for generations.

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