Hymns for the 1st Sunday of Advent, Year C (1 December 2024) - Catholic lectionary

A selection of hymns and songs, based on themes from the Roman Catholic lectionary for the first Sunday of Advent, Year C.

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.

1st Sunday of Advent, Year B

Christ the King, Year B

2nd Sunday of Advent, Year C

1st Sunday of Advent, Year A

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 Man

Free-use artworks

See lectionary art for this Sunday for suggested pictures and art-works based on today's readings.

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

Hymns that may still be copyright

• He Walks Among the Golden Lamps
• In God's Good Time - Dean
• O Saviour Rend the Heavens Wide
• Stay Awake, Be Ready - Walker (for children)
• Stay Awake (Signs Upon the Sun) - O'Hara
• The Benedictus - various versions

See more ...

• Hymns for Advent - for general hymn suggestions for the season

• Catholic lectionary based hymn suggestions for Sundays and feasts
• Sources of music for church services
• Catholic Mass planning template
• Music selection worksheet