December 20
"Good Christian Friends, Rejoice" was translated and paraphrased by John Mason Neale from "Nun singet und seid froh" in Piae Cantiones. Likewise, Thomas Helmore adapted the tune from "In Dulci Jubilo", also in Piae Cantiones.
I performed this song in aEAC#E tuning on banjo.
Good Christian Friends, Rejoice
Performed by Greg Barlow on banjo
Words: Medieval Latin (attributed to Heinrich Suso); trans. and para. John Mason Neale, 1853; alt.
Music: IN DULCI JUBILO, German folk tune, 14th century.
Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul, and voice;
Give ye heed to what we say: Jesus Christ is born today;
Ox and ass before Him bow, And He is in the manger now.
Christ is born today! Christ is born today!
Good Christian friends, rejoice, with heart and soul and voice;
Now ye hear of endless bliss: Jesus Christ was born for this!
He hath opened the heaven's door, And we are blest forevermore.
Christ was born for this! Christ was born for this!
Good Christian friends, rejoice, with heart and soul and voice;
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.
Christ was born to save! Christ was born to save!
Sources and more information
- Presbyterian Hymnal, 1990.
- Oxford Book of Carols, 1964.
- Hymns and Carols of Christmas
- Hymns and Carols of Christmas - Piae Cantiones