Most are free-to-use (ie public domain or copyright-free) meaning the words can be copied and sung to at least one tune with no concerns about copyright or performance licensing. Many such hymns are old/traditional - but where possible a variety of styles / genres are included.
A small selection of hymns that are still copyright, but are a particularly good fit for the day's readings, are also included.
Readings
First: Jeremiah 33:14-16 - "I will make a virtuous branch grow for David" - the city will be called "The Lord-our-integrity"Psalm: 24 - To you O Lord I lift up my soul ... Make me know your ways ... The Lord is good and upright ... His ways are faithfulness and love
Second: 1 Thessalonians 3:12 - 4:2 - May the Lord be generous in increasing your love ... we urge you to make more and more progress in the kind of life you are meant to live
Gospel: Luke 21:25-28, 34-36- then they will see the Son of Man coming ... stay awake praying at all times for strength and confidence to stand before the Son of Man
Themes
Prepare the way - the Kingdom is coming - be watchful for the Son of ManFree-use artworks
Free-use hymns
At the Name of Jesus
Come Emmanuel
Come, Lord, and Tarry Not
Come O Divine Messiah
Come Thou Long-expected Jesus
Creator of the Stars of Night
Eternal Ruler of the Ceaseless Round
God is Working His Purpose Out
Hark a Herald Voice is Calling
Hills of the North Rejoice
Lo He Comes with Clouds Descending
My Lord! What a Morning
O Come O Come Emmanuel
O Jesus Christ Remember
On Jordan's Bank
Psalm 24 (To You O Lord I lift up my soul) - Music for Mass setting
Rejoice, Rejoice Believers
Soon and Very Soon
The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns
Wake, Awake for Night is Flying
Come Emmanuel
Come, Lord, and Tarry Not
Come O Divine Messiah
Come Thou Long-expected Jesus
Creator of the Stars of Night
Eternal Ruler of the Ceaseless Round
God is Working His Purpose Out
Hark a Herald Voice is Calling
Hills of the North Rejoice
Lo He Comes with Clouds Descending
My Lord! What a Morning
O Come O Come Emmanuel
O Jesus Christ Remember
On Jordan's Bank
Psalm 24 (To You O Lord I lift up my soul) - Music for Mass setting
Rejoice, Rejoice Believers
Soon and Very Soon
The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns
Wake, Awake for Night is Flying
Hymns that may still be copyright
He Walks Among the Golden Lamps - Dudley-SmithIn God's Good Time - Dean
O Saviour Rend the Heavens Wide
Stay Awake, Be Ready - Walker
Stay Awake (Signs Upon the Sun) - O'Hara
The Benedictus - various versions
Suggestions about other free-to-use hymns that could be included are welcome: please leave a comment below.
