Most are free-to-use (ie public domain or copyright-free), meaning that the words can be copied and sung to at least one tune with no concerns about copyright or performance licensing - sometimes in a limited setting. Many of these hymns are old / traditional - but where possible a variety of styles and genres are included.
A small selection of copyright hymns may also be included, if they are particularly relevant.
Readings
First: Isaiah - Let the wilderness .. bring forth flowers .... look, your God is coming to save you ... those the Lord has ransomed shall return, they shall come to Zion shouting for joy.Psalm 145 : Come Lord and save us / It is the Lord who keeps faith forever / It is the Lord who gives sight to the blind / It is the Lord who loves the just.
Second: James : Be patient, do not lose heart because the Lord's coming will be soon.
Gospel: Matthew - John sends the disciples to ask Jesus "Are you the one who is to come?" Jesus answers by pointing to his works, and tells the people about John's greatness - and that the least in heaven is still greater than him.
Themes
Rejoice / joy: expectation, the blind will see. Awaiting the coming of someone greater than John the Baptist.Art for this week
See lectionary art for this Sunday for suggested pictures and art-works based on today's readings.Suggested free-use hymns
Creator Alme SiderumHark! A Herald Voice Is Calling
Hark the Glad Sound
My God How Wonderful You Are
Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming
O Come Divine Messiah
O Come O Come Emmanuel
O Come Thou Long-expected Jesus
On Jordan's Bank
Rejoice in the Lord Always
Rejoice Rejoice Believers
The Great Forerunner of the Morn
The King Shall Come when Morning Dawns
The Race that Long in Darkness Pined
Suggested free-use hymns which may still be copyright
Be Patient, Beloved - Collegeville
Hold Me in Life - Huijbers and Oosterhuis
Suggestions about hymns that could be included are welcome: leave a comment below.
