James L. Hosays composition "The Christmas King" is based on the song "Good King Wenceslas". This comes from a song collection entitled "Piae Cantiones", which was first published in 1582. There, however, it first appeared as a spring song that was supposed to invite people to dance with its lively character. It was not until the 19th century that the English author John Mason Neale wrote a text that finally made the song known as a Christmas carol.
The American composer James L. Hosay creates an effective whole with his characteristic signature of dance-like sections, fanfares and baroque elements. "The Christmas King" can be ideally used as an opening work or at the end of a Christmas concert program.