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Song: Good Christian Men Rejoice
1. Song: Good Christian Men Rejoice
The Latin name for the Christmas song "
Good Christian Men Rejoice" is "
In Dulci Jubilo" which means "
In sweet rejoicing".
Suese wrote the words about 1328 from a dream. Published 150 years later (after printing press invented).
Melody first appears in 1305.
Melody published in Finnish in 1582.
Pearsall translated/adapted it about 1837.
The song inspired Martin Luther (200 years later and 70 years after the printing press was invented) to write his own hymns, such as "
A mighty fortress is our God".
2. Rules violation
One night, Suese had a dream and afterwards wrote down the words and the music.
The hymn became popular with the masses but the hymn violated three rules.
It should be solemn - not lively or entertaining.
It should be scripture.
It should be in Latin, not German (the language of the people)
3. Verse 1
Good Christian men, rejoice
With heart, and soul, and voice;
Give ye heed to what we say: News! News!
Jesus Christ was born to-day:
Ox and ass before Him bow,
And He is in the manger now.
Christ is born today! Christ is born today.
4. Latin
The Latin name for the Christmas song "
Good Christian Men Rejoice" is "
In Dulci Jubilo" which means "
In sweet rejoicing".
It was originally an phrase alternation of Latin and German text.
Bach adapted the music for instruments.
5. Latin and German
In dulci jubilo,
Nun singet und seid froh!
Unsers Herzens Wonne
Leit in praesepio;
Und leuchtet wie die Sonne
Matris in gremio.
Alpha es et O!
6. Suese
Heinrich Suese (Henry Suso), born in 1295 to a well-to-do family, decided to become a servant and became a Dominican monk. He was serious about the scriptures and, starting in 1326, wrote several short written works (in an age before printing) that justified the Gospel message as written to the masses in a language that they could understand. It was not appreciated by Catholic Church authorities and he was brought up on heresy charges. He fled to Switzerland but was still persecuted.
7. Title change
It was translated into English be James Mason Neale who gave it the familiar title "Good Christian Men Rejoice". Jon Neale was very sincere about his faith but, like Suese, was persecuted for his faith - by the Anglican Church - the official and only approved church of England.
8. Verse 2a
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 ope'd the heavenly door
And man is blessed evermore
Christ was born for this
Christ was born for this
9. Verse 3a
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
Christ was born to save
10. End of page