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 fit for the theme(s).
Seasonal Note
Some communities use the supporting readings for this feast from Year A with the Year C Gospel - see Hymn Suggestions, Baptism of the Lord, Year A for options in this case.
Readings
First: Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11 - Console my people ... Prepare in the wilderness ... go up on a high mountain and shout "Here is your God".Psalm: Psalm 103 -Bless the Lord my soul Lord how great you are / Above the rains you make your dwelling / How many are your works / All of these look to you / You take back your spirit they die
Second: Titus 2:11-14, 3:4-7 - God's grace has been revealed, making salvation possible - not because of our deeds, but because of God's compassion. We must wait in hope.
Gospel: Luke 3:15-16, 21-22 - John declared "I baptise you with water, but someone is coming who will baptise you with the Holy Spirit" ... Jesus is baptised ... the heavens open and the spirit descended ... "You are my Son, the Beloved, my favour rests on you".
Themes
Jesus baptism, the Beloved Son, the glory of the Lord is revealed.Artwork suggestions
See lectionary art for this Sunday for suggested pictures and art-works based on today's readings.Free-use hymns
Blessed QuietnessChrist is Made the Sure Foundation
Glory be to Jesus
Hail to the Lord's Anointed
I Bind unto myself Today
I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
O Love how Deep how Broad how High.
On Jordan's Bank
Songs of Thankfulness and Praise
Shall we Gather at the River
The Race that Long in Darkness Pined
The Son Of Man From Jordan Rose
Wade in the Water
Hymns which may still be copyright
Baptised in Water - SawardCome to the Water (O let all who thirst) - Foley
To Jordan Jesus Humbly Came - Hommerding
When Jesus Comes to be Baptized - Stanford Abbey
When John Baptised by Jordan's River - Dudley-Smith
With Joy you shall Draw Water - Haugen
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.
A correction from a Catholic perspective: this is not the first Sunday in Ordinary Time, but the last day of Christmastide. This is explicitly stated in the Liturgy of the Hours, is in the Christmas time section of the presider's Missal, and takes the place of the first Sunday in Ordinary Time (without being in Ordinary Time). Unfortunately, in the people's edition of the Missal there is an erroneous indication that it is the first Sunday in Ordinary Time. With all this in mind, "Joy to the World" is an effective recessional hymn as there is no mention of the infant Jesus.
ReplyDelete