Oh Praise Him, Who Is our Strength and Song!

Michael E. Wood
January 10, 2011

On December 28th, I was given a new Christmas song (after a thief had stolen my car) but as it was recovered four days later without damage, a new song came out of the new song. I know that may sound a little ridiculous, but upon doing a little research with regard to the original music and words from which the previous song sprang forth I found the following background.

The song “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” first appeared on a 1760 circa broadsheet with the author unknown. From the same article, of which can be found on the cyber hymnal, we are told that the melody is in Aeolian mode and is common time or cut time. The word "Christmas" did not appear in the original song but was added many years later. The following can be sung to the same tune which is considered public domain, and thus this song is an expression of the grace of God freely given and freely received.

It is a call to worship THE ONE TRUE GOD! For though sin abounds, His grace much more abounds for the furtherance of the gospel unto the praise of His glorious grace.

We thank you for Your providence
You brought this glorious morn.
For by it You remind us that
Our grief’s by Christ was borne,
When He for us upon the tree
Paid for our sins and scorn.

(Chorus)

Oh Praise Him, Who is our strength and song.
Strength and Song!
Oh Praise Him, for Whom our glad hearts long!

O may we be such vessels
That to others they may see,
That to You God our Savior,
May all glory ever be.
And may You use us to set forth
The truth with clarity.

(Chorus)

The Good News is our focus,
And no matter what the cost.
Oh use us by Your Spirit
To convey to all the lost,
That all in You shall see
Your glory, we shall not exhaust.

(Chorus)

Oh Spirit of the Living God
We humbly ask of You,
To meet with us; convict of sins,
Give grace then to subdue
All things that Christ alone
Be magnified by all You do.

(Chorus)

Oh Spirit of the Living God,
O fall afresh we plead.
You know our every weakness
And for us You intercede.
And He Who searches all our hearts
Will answer to our need.

(Chorus)