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 which are still copyright, but are a particularly good fit for the day's readings, are also included.
Suggestions about other free-to-use hymns that could be included are welcome: leave a message in the Comments box near the bottom of the page.
Seasonal note
Advent is the beginning of the Church year. Many people plan the four Sunday's of Advent together, to balance the pressure to start using Christmas Carols before the Christmas season actually starts.
Readings
First: Isaiah 40: 1-5, 9-11 - Comfort my people ... speak to the heart of Jerusalem ... a voice cries "Prepare in the wilderness"Psalm 84 - Let us see, O Lord, your mercy and give us your saving help / I will hear what the Lord has to say / Mercy and faithfulness have met / The Lord will make us prosper.
Second: II Peter 3:8-14 - With the Lord a "day" can mean a thousand years, and a thousand year one day - live holy and saintly lives while you wait for the Day of the Lord ... so that he will find you at peace.
Gospel: Mark 1:1-8 - John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, to fulfil the prophesy made by Isaiah. He baptised, and preached about the more powerful one who was to follow him.
Themes
Waiting for Christ's coming. John the Baptist - preparing the way.Free-use artwork
Free-use hymns
Come Lord and Tarry Not
Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
Comfort, Comfort O my People - Johann Olearius
Comfort, Comfort Ye my People
Hail to the Lord's Anointed
Hark! A Herald Voice is Calling
On Jordan's Bank
Psalm 84 - Music for Mass setting
The King Shall come when Morning Dawns
Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
Comfort, Comfort O my People - Johann Olearius
Comfort, Comfort Ye my People
Hail to the Lord's Anointed
Hark! A Herald Voice is Calling
On Jordan's Bank
Psalm 84 - Music for Mass setting
The King Shall come when Morning Dawns
Hymns that are / may be still copyright
A Voice Cries Out - Michael Joncas
A Voice in the Wilderness - Chris Robinson
Behold O Zion God Will Come -
Make Way, Make Way - Kendrick
People Look East (Carol of the Advent) - Farjeon
Prepare the Way of the Lord - Taizé
The Voice of God Goes out to All the World - Connaughton / Inwood
A Voice in the Wilderness - Chris Robinson
Behold O Zion God Will Come -
Make Way, Make Way - Kendrick
People Look East (Carol of the Advent) - Farjeon
Prepare the Way of the Lord - Taizé
The Voice of God Goes out to All the World - Connaughton / Inwood