“The First Noël The Angel Did Say”
Tune: “The First Nowell” • 88 88 R
Page 676
Page 656
Instantis Adventum Dei (“The coming of our God”)
Translation: Fr. Charles Coffin
Tune: “Seán 8M” • 66 86 (SM)
A “text only version” is included at page bottom, providing melodic flexibility.
Page 669
“God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen”
The meaning of “God rest you merry” is “God keep you merry.” Note the archaic use of the word rest (“keep”)—indeed, this carol probably dates from the 16th century.
Tune: “God Rest You Merry” • 86 86 86 R
Page 653
Veni Veni Emmanuel (“O come, O come, Emmanuel”)
Translation: Msgr. Ronald A. Knox
Tune: “Veni Veni Emmanuel” • 88 88 R