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.
Other suggestions are welcome - please leave a comment below.
Seasonal note
Most communities have a familiar repertoire of public domain Christmas music, so finding free-to-use hymns for time is simple. The list below doe not include all well known Christmas carols, just ones that are a particularly good fit with the lectionary themes for this feast.Some communities use the Year A readings on this feast day. Hymn suggestions for them are available here.
Readings
First: Genesis 15:1-6. 21:1-3 - The word of God spoken to Abram in a vision ... Look up to the heavens and count the stars - such will be your descendants.Psalm: 104 - He the Lord, is our God, he remembers his covenant forever / Give thanks to the Lord tell his name / Be proud of his holy name / Remember the wonder he has done.
Second: Hebrews 11: 8, 11-12, 17-19 - The faith of Abraham leaving his home and Sarah believing she would conceive - and their faith in God when they offered Issac to the Lord.
Gospel: Luke 2:22-40 - Jesus is taken to the Temple for purification, and there he is seen by Simeon, who recognises him as salvation, and the prophetess Anna.
Themes
The Holy Family of Nazareth - Mary, Joseph and Jesus, modelled on Abraham and Sarah. Living together in unity and peace, respect and love.Free-use artwork
See lectionary art for this Sunday for suggested pictures and art-works based on today's readings.Free-use hymns
For the Beauty of the Earth (esp verse 3)Good Christian Friends Rejoice
In Christ there is no East or West
In His Temple Now Behold Him
Jesus my Lord my God my All
Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine
Nunc Dimittis
O Come Little Children
Of the Father's Love Begotten
Once in Royal David's City
Sleep Holy Babe
Unto us a Boy is Born
Unto us a Child is Born
Virgin Born we Bow Before Thee
What Child is This
Hymns that are / may be still copyright
At last all Powerful Master you give Leave to your Servant to Go - GelineauAye Carol - Bell
Child of Gladness - Perry
Come Sing a Home and Family - Hommerding
Gathered in the Love of Christ - Haugen
God's Holy Family - Schiavone
Mary and Joseph Came to the Temple (same tune as Christ be Beside Me)
Now Let Your Servant go in Peace - Duck
Our Father By Whose Name - Tucker
Song of Simeon - Andersen
'Twas in the Moon of Wintertime - Middleton
Now Let Your Servant go in Peace - Duck
Our Father By Whose Name - Tucker
Song of Simeon - Andersen
'Twas in the Moon of Wintertime - Middleton
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