Christmas Carols

by Margaret C. Richards and Carol C. Madsen

Do you have a favorite Christmas carol? Here are two carols that you might like to sing or play.

“Far, Far Away on Judea’s Plains” is a good carol for a family to sing. It can also be played by different instruments such as violin, flute, and piano. Try it with your family.

“Far, Far Away on Judea’s Plains” is one of the few traditional Christmas carols written by an LDS composer. James M. MacFarlane, who joined the Church over a hundred years ago, wrote both the words and the music. The song was first sung by a church choir that Brother MacFarlane directed in St. George, Utah. This song is now sung by people all over the world at Christmastime.

It’s fun to go caroling. You will enjoy filling the neighborhood, hospitals, schools, and streets with the happy sounds of Christmas. “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” is a favorite carol, and you will enjoy singing and playing this glad song.

Far, Far Away on Judea’s Plains

by J. MacFarlane
Arr. Margaret C. Richards

Far, far away on Judea’s plains,

Shepherds of old heard the joyous strains:

Glory to God,

Glory to God,

Glory to God in the highest;

Peace on earth, good-will to men,

Peace on earth, good-will to men!

See no. 33 in Hymns for other verses.

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Traditional English Carol
Arr. Margaret C. Richards

We wish you a Merry Christmas, we wish you a Merry Christmas,

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Good tidings we bring for you and your kin.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

See F-8 in Sing with Me for other verses.