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. 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 may also be included, if they are particularly relevant.
Suggestions about other hymns that could be included are welcome: either leave a message in the Comments section below.
Also, most communities have a familiar repertoire of public domain Christmas music, so choosing free-to-use hymns for this season is simple. The list below doesn't include all well known Christmas carols, just ones that are a particularly good fit with the lectionary themes for this day.
Seasonal Note
In some places, the feast of Epiphany is observed on Sunday, and it replaces this day.Also, most communities have a familiar repertoire of public domain Christmas music, so choosing free-to-use hymns for this season is simple. The list below doesn't include all well known Christmas carols, just ones that are a particularly good fit with the lectionary themes for this day.
Readings
First:Jeremiah 31:7-14 - "Save, O Lord, your people, the remnant of Israel." .... See I am going to bring them back ... For the Lord has ransomed Jacob, and has redeemed him from hands too strong for him.
Second: Ephesians 1: 3-14 - Before the world was made, God chose us to be his children.
Gospel: John 1: 1-18 - In the beginning was the word ... John came, sent by God as a witness for the light ... no one has even seen God, only the Son who is nearest the Father's heart.
![]()
See lectionary art for this Sunday for suggested pictures and art-works based on today's readings.
As with Gladness Men of Old
Father and Life-giver
Go Tell it on the Mountain
God is Working his Purpose Out
OR
Ecclesiasticus / Sirach 24: 1-12 - The wisdom of God has pitched her tent among the chosen people.
Psalm:
Psalm:
Solomon 10:15-21 - A holy people and blameless race wisdom delivered from a nation of oppressors ...
OR
Psalm 147 - The Word was made flesh and lived among us / O praise the Lord Jerusalem / He established peace on your borders / He makes he word known to Jacob
OR
Psalm 147 - The Word was made flesh and lived among us / O praise the Lord Jerusalem / He established peace on your borders / He makes he word known to Jacob
Second: Ephesians 1: 3-14 - Before the world was made, God chose us to be his children.
Gospel: John 1: 1-18 - In the beginning was the word ... John came, sent by God as a witness for the light ... no one has even seen God, only the Son who is nearest the Father's heart.
Themes
The incarnate Christ, come to live on earth. Christ - son of God and Word of God. We are God's children.Free-use artworks
Free-use hymns
Alleluia Raise the Anthem
Father and Life-giver
Go Tell it on the Mountain
God is Working his Purpose Out
God Moves in a Mysterious Way
Hills of the North Rejoice
Let all Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
Little Jesus Sweetly Sleep
Love Came Down at Christmas
Let all Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
Little Jesus Sweetly Sleep
Love Came Down at Christmas
Love Divine all Loves Excelling
Mary Had a Baby, Yes Lord
Of the Father's Love Begotten
See Amid the Winter's Snow
Your Words to me are Life and Health
What Child is This
Mother of God's Living Word - Lundy
See Him Lying on a Bed of Straw - Perry
We have a Gospel to Proclaim - Burns
Word Made Flesh - Vissing
Mary Had a Baby, Yes Lord
Of the Father's Love Begotten
See Amid the Winter's Snow
Your Words to me are Life and Health
What Child is This
Hymns which may still be copyright
Christ and None Other - Pratt-Green
Long Ago Prophets Knew- Pratt-Green
See Him Lying on a Bed of Straw - Perry
We have a Gospel to Proclaim - Burns
Word Made Flesh - Vissing