'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen' - Southern Raised

Most are quite familiar with the old Christmas carol “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” but few have heard it done like Southern Raised. Take a listen!

There’s a fire; moments later, the first note lands almost as warm as the flame that burns in front of this talented group—like a rich, creamy, steaming cup of cocoa! Meet Matthew Reith. Born in 1997, he’s the younger brother of the two beauties that sing backup. 

They are Emily, who wears an “E” necklace, and Lindsay, and they do a lot more than provide the “ooh’s”!

At 55 seconds, another log is thrown on the blaze, and the instruments are added. From left to right, a bass, an acoustic guitar, a fiddle, and a banjo are fired up. By the way, that’s Alex playing the banjo. He happens to be married to Emily. He’s a Missouri man, while the others hail from Rogers, Arkansas. All are from the Ozark Mountains and have been making music since they were kids!   

The ladies come together to harmonize for a bit at 1:35, and you might get Soggy Bottom Boys vibes. Or maybe not. The ladies are way prettier than George Clooney’s backup singers, and they are Christian artists rather than criminals or conmen. 

But they do have a bluegrass feel. In fact, Southern Raised describes itself as a group whose work combines classical and Celtic music, Christian country, and bluegrass.

Emily and then Alex impress with solos at 2:00. Then, Emily sings a long, high note that floats Heavenward like the smoke from the fire, and it appears the song might end. 

But then, the four return with a variety of beats as Matthew sings another verse. The screen goes black, and they are back with another variation! 

They stop at 5:00. The screen goes dark again, and Southern Raised appears one last time to wish viewers “Merry Christmas.” This is one talented and faithful family!   

They bring something special to an old song, blessing it with their gifts and talents. However, the message is the most important, and the message has always been the same. In a nutshell… Rest and be reassured. Our Savior has come!

“Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:11

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/EzumeImages