Prepare the Royal Highway

This gorgeous melody has long been an Advent favorite in many hymnals.

Here it is as an Advent prelude or postlude. The lyrics speak of preparing a pathway for Christ, so the hymn pairs with Advent readings about the ministry of John the Baptist.

An upbeat dance-like setting points to the optimism of this season of hope. A quieter, more subdued iteration in a minor key highlights the themes of waiting and repentance. The theme is reprised in a joyful third section.