Word Watch

That is due to a creative outburst of modern Christmas carols. As many as 300 new Christmas songs were written last year, with composers responding to massive public demand and commissions from churches and choirs.

Modern writers often infuse the Christmas story with contemporary themes. For example, The Flight links the travels of Mary and Joseph with the plight of modern-day refugeesAnyone fleeing conflict or persecution is defined as a refugee by the UN as a refugee, regardless of where they are from.: "The sea is a graveyard the beach is dry bones the child at the station is pelted with stones." The chorus: "May Bethlehem Give rest to them."

Similarly Manchester Carols, a suite by poet Carol Ann Duffy, retells the Christmas story for the 21st Century - with a particular focus on the issue of homelessness: "It would be a miracle indeed If everyone who needs somewhere to sleep could find a bed; The tired, the lost, the homeless dispossessed."

Though these issues are contemporary, they enter into an ancient tradition. It all started thousands of years ago when pagansNon-Christians who incorporate beliefs or practices from outside the main world religions, and especially nature worship. would sing songs to mark the winter solsticeEither of the two moments in the year when the Sun's apparent path is farthest north or south from Earth's Equator.. Some experts think the carol The Holly and the Ivy originated from a pagan harvest festival.

When ChristianityA major world religion based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. arrived in Britain, the winter solstice celebration morphed into Christmas - and pagan songs were transformed into Christian hymns. By the Middle AgesThe Middle Ages was the period in European history that came between ancient and modern times. It lasted from about 500 to about 1500., merry bands of "wassailers" would move from house to house singing carols similar to We Wish You a Merry Christmas.

Many of the most famous carols were popularised by the VictoriansPeople who lived during the reign of Queen Victoria on the British throne, from 1837 to 1901. . In 1880, Bishop Edward Benson devised the Nine Lessons and Carols service. It opened with a lone treble singing the first verse of Once in Royal David's City, and closed with a rousing rendition of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing; it became a blueprint for carol concerts to this very day.

But are contemporary carols better than these classics?

Modern carols are more relevant, some say. Society is becoming less devout and more diverse. The songs' messages of compassion for the most unfortunate are universal - whether you believe the Christmas story or not. What is more, carols with social purpose are more likely to inspire genuine acts of charity than catchy old tunes.

Tradition trumps novelty, others respond. In the 21st Century, things are constantly changing and being updated. By singing classic carols, we can enjoy sharing in a more historic and lasting culture. Furthermore, it is the old songs that are best at prompting us to sing together in celebration - not dreary modern dirges.

The Flight: Words written by poet George Szirtes, set to music by Richard Causton. Listen to it by following the first link under Become An Expert.

Q & A

Manchester Carols: Music written by Sasha Johnson Manning. To hear the carols for yourself follow the second link in Become An Expert.

Pagans: People holding beliefs that differ from the major world religions. Pagans often believe in gods relating to nature, for example, the god of the sun.

Winter solstice: The shortest day of the year - usually around December 22 in the northern hemisphere.

The Holly and the Ivy: Holly and ivy are evergreen plants, meaning they remain green throughout the year. Consequently, to ancient pagans they symbolised hope and rebirth.

Arrived: Scholars think Christianity started to develop in Britain during the first century AD - although this is debated.

We Wish You a Merry Christmas: The lyric "Oh, bring us some figgy pudding," refers to the old tradition of wealthy landowners giving carol singers treats in exchange for their revelry and good wishes.

What do we know? Many traditional institutions will perform new Christmas carols this year. At the Royal Albert Hall's Christmas Classics concert, Roxanna Panufnik's newly composed A Cradle Song will be sung. BBC Radio 3 and King's College, Cambridge are also running competitions for new carols.

What do we not know? Whether these new songs will last through the years in the same way as the other traditional carols have. It is impossible to say what the best carol is, but in a 2010 poll by Classic FM, the British public voted O Holy Night as the nation's favourite.