Good Christian Men, Rejoice
IN DULCI JUBILO6.6.7.7.7.8.5.5 (irregular)
Words: John Mason NealeMusic: IN DULCI JUBILO, German melody, 14th century
Practice player: melody only, played by your browser. The intro is the closing line of the tune, as many churches play it. Melody and words transcribed from Christmas Carols New and Old (1871), pp. 16–17, public domain.
Words
Good Christian men, rejoice
With heart and soul and voice;
Give ye heed to what we say:
News! News!
Jesus Christ is born to-day:
Ox and ass before Him bow,
And He is in the manger now.
Christ is born to-day! Christ is born to-day!
Good Christian men, rejoice
With heart, and soul, and voice;
Now ye hear of endless bliss:
Joy! Joy!
Jesus Christ was born for this!
He hath oped the heav'nly door,
And man is blessed evermore.
Christ was born for this!
Good Christian men, rejoice
With heart, and soul, and voice;
Now ye need not fear the grave:
Peace! Peace!
Jesus Christ was born to save!
Calls you one and calls you all,
To gain His everlasting hall:
Christ was born to save.
Scripture
The Bible passages this hymn draws on, in the King James Version.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
Suggested for these Masses
- Christmas Dec 25, 2026
- Baptism of the Lord, Year C Jan 9, 2028
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