This is a collection of both hymns and songs for Christmas, so Carols seemed a suitable title. One of them – 'Come and praise the King of Glory' – dates from 1983 and is the second hymn I wrote. The words were arranged to fit a tune (now named KING OF GLORY) which John had just been composing, and its narrative goes back to the joyous outpouring of Mary mother of Jesus before his birth.

Every now and then another carol has been added for the Christmas season – from John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus in Advent, through his birth on Christmas night when angels brought the news to toiling shepherds who hurried to find him; then the arrival of the wise men at Epiphany; and lastly Candlemas when he was presented to God in the temple and greeted by Simeon and Anna. No wonder these amazing events have kindled thousands of songs of praise, to which I add this small contribution.

lyric videos: ▶️ set tune ⏩ alternative tune