Long Ago, Prophets Knew

Hymn"Long Ago, Prophets Knew"The Nativity with the Prophets Isaiah and Ezekiel by DuccioHymnPublished1970ComposersTraditional, adapted by Gustav HolstLyricistFred Pratt Green "Long Ago, Prophets Knew", also called "Long Ago, Prophets Knew, Christ would come born a Jew", is an English Christian Advent carol written by Reverend Fred Pratt Green in 1970.

[edit] "Long Ago, Prophets Knew" was written by Methodist minister Fred Pratt Green in 1970 at the behest of John Wilson. It was self-published in his "26 Hymns" a year later. The carol gained popularity within the Church of England when it was published within the More Hymns for Today hymnal in 1980 and Hymns Ancient and Modern – New Standard" in 1983. In 1986, when The New English Hymnal was being compiled with hymns appropriate for Eucharist services being prioritised, "Long Ago, Prophets Knew" was included at the behest of the former Archdeacon of Hackney, George Timms, in order to fill required spaces in the hymnal for feast days and promote newer hymns. "Long Ago, Prophets Knew" was one of around 50 hymns written after 1950 to be included in the collection of 506 hymns. Though the carol was written for Advent, it has also been used as a Christmas carol. Baptists use the carol in connection with Bible readings from 2 Samuel:7 and Romans 16:17-25. Methodists use the carol on the Fourth Sunday in Advent.

[edit] Green set it to the tune of "Personent hodie". While the carol was written for organ with a 66.666 metre, an additional alternate accompanying supplement for thirteen handbells was also written to tie into the chorus of "ring bells, ring, ring, ring!" The carol was an example of a modern hymn that utilised an older style of including a repetitive monosyllable in the chorus.

While many carols feel like museum pieces, this 1970 hymn sits comfortably in contemporary worship. Its simple metre and gentle melody make it easy to teach to children and choirs alike, meaning you can slip it into family carol‑sing sessions without the need for a specialist choir. Pair it with a soft instrumental backing – perhaps a piano or acoustic guitar – and you have a track that bridges the reverent tone of older hymns with the accessibility of modern gospel. For a cosy Christmas playlist, slot it between the more bombastic numbers; its modest tempo allows listeners a brief, reflective pause before the next festive surge.

When adding this carol to your collection, look for versions that retain the hymn’s modest arrangement. Recordings that over‑ornament with heavy brass or synths can drown the lyric’s intimate appeal. Prefer acoustic or lightly orchestrated takes that let the words shine. If you’re buying digital, check that the track is tagged as ‘Advent’ – this helps streaming services shuffle it appropriately, keeping the seasonal flow natural. For vinyl enthusiasts, a 1970s pressing may have the warm analogue character that mirrors its original church‑hall ambience, adding a tactile charm to your holiday crate.

The hymn’s lyric references the ancient prophets, yet it was penned in the socially turbulent 1970s – a time when many sought fresh expressions of faith. Its straightforward language avoids archaic diction, making the prophetic message feel immediate rather than distant. This blend of timeless biblical imagery with contemporary phrasing invites today’s listeners to connect the Old Testament promise with the present celebration of Christ’s birth. As families gather around the tree, the carol subtly reminds us that the story of expectation spans centuries, reinforcing the season’s theme of hope without sounding like a museum exhibit.