LiturgyTools.net: Hymns for Candlemas: the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Years A, B and C (2 February)

A selection of hymn and song suggestions, based on themes from the Roman Catholic lectionary for the feast of the Presentation of the Lord (aka Candlemas) - 2 February.

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 be copyright may also included where they are a particularly good for for the theme(s).

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.

Readings

First: Malachi 3:1-4- God will send his messenger .. the God you are seeking will enter his Temple ... who will be able to remain standing, for he is like the refiner's fire and the fullers' alkali.

Psalm - 24 - Who is the King of Glory, it is the Lord / O gates, lift up your heads

Second: Hebrews 2:14-18 : Jesus took to himself descent from Abraham ... be became completely like his brothers.

Gospel: Luke 2:22-40- On the day of purification, Jesus parents took him to be presented in the temple. Simeon was prompted by the Holy Spirit and recognised Jesus saying "my eyes have seen the salvation ... a light to enlighten the pagans...". Anna the prophetess also recognised him and prayed over him. ... when they had done what the Law required, they went back to Nazareth to raise Jesus.

Themes

The end of the Christmas season. Jesus - God in human form - Light of the World.

Free-use art

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

Free-use hymns

Angels from the Realms of Glory

Arise and Shine

God of Mercy God of Grace

Hail to the Lord’s Anointed

Hail to the Lord Who Comes

How Brightly Beams the Morning Star

Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise

In His Temple New Behold Him

Joy Joy the Mother Comes

Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence

Let Zion's Bridal Room be Clothed

Lift Up Your Heads, Eternal Gates

Nunc Dimitis

O Gladsome Light

Of the Father's Love Begotten

Take my Life and Let it Be

The Church's One Foundation

The Only Son from Heaven

Hymns which may still be copyright

All that is Hidden - Farrell

Christ be our Light - Farrell

Christ is the World's Light - Pratt-Green

Christ is the World's True Light - Briggs

Forth in the Peace of Christ we Go - Quinn

Kindle a Flame to Lighten the Dark - Iona

Light of Gladness Lord of Glory - Idle

Lord Bid Your Servant go in Peace

In the Darkness Shines the Splendour - Gasslein

Mary and Joseph Came to the Temple (to the tune of Christ be Beside Me / Morning is Broken)

Now Let Your Servant Go in Peace - Duck

Refiner's Fire - Doerksen

Shine Jesus Shine - Kendrick

Song of Simeon - Arrangements by Andersen, Sullivan, Whittaker

The Light of Christ - Fishel

When Mary Brought her Treasure - Struther