With their emphasis on hope, optimism and the wonder of life, hymns make an important statement at any baptism ceremony. But which are the best suited to a christening? Here is our choice of top ten best baptism hymns for you to choose for your service.
Best baptism hymns
All my Hope on God is Founded
Focusing on the hope and wonders that God offers us, 'All my Hope on God is Founded' is an ideal piece of christening music. The most famous musical setting comes from Herbert Howells, who, on receiving a translation of the original German text in 1930, dreamt up the melody on the spot: ’while I was chewing bacon and sausage,’ in his own words. Howells later rechristened the tune ‘Michael’ after his son who had died in childhood.
Breathe on me, Breath of God
With its references to the spiritual breath of God which came to mankind via Jesus at Pentecost, 'Breathe on me, Breath of God' is another baptism staple - one of two hymns chosen for Prince George’s christening in 2013. The words, written in 1876 by the Anglican priest Edwin Hatch, have a simplicity to them that, according to the United Methodist Church, ‘belied the education and knowledge of its author.’ But that simplicity is also the hymn’s greatest asset, imbuing it with a childlike innocence.
He Who Would Valiant Be
With its quaint references to the ‘hobgoblin’ and the ‘foul fiend,’ the text of this hymn – originally from John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress (1684) – has the whiff of a children’s adventure story, making it a great inclusion in this list of baptism hymns. Meanwhile the melody of 'He Who Would Valiant Be' – an English folksong arranged by Ralph Vaughan Williams - is equally invigorating, lending itself to the optimistic spirit of a christening.
Morning has Broken
This hymn, written in 1931 by the English poet and children’s author, Eleanor Farjeon, is particularly appropriate for a christening, given that it is often sung by children. Set to a traditional Scottish Gaelic tune, it was made particularly popular by the English pop singer Cat Stevens, who included a version of Morning Has Broken on his 1971 album Teaser and the Firecat.
All Things Bright and Beautiful
Much like ‘Morning has Broken’, this is one of those baptism hymns that many of us remember singing at school. First published in 1848 in Mrs Cecil Alexander's Hymns for Little Children, 'All Things Bright and Beautiful' is focused on the small things in life (the ‘tiny wings’; the ‘little flowers’), which makes it an apt choice for a baptism. Its sweetness might not be to everybody’s taste - some might even call it saccharine - but there is a lot of appreciate in its sense of wonder.
Give me Joy in my Heart
This gospel hymn definitely ranks among the more exuberant contributions to Christian worship. You might also know it as ‘Give Me Oil in My Lamp’ and ‘Sing Hosanna’. Although its origin is unknown, it is believed to have been inspired by the Parable of the Ten Virgins. The parable tells of a clutch of virgins who failed to bring enough oil for their lamps as they awaited the arrival of the bridegroom. Frequently used in football chants, it would certainly enliven any baptism service.
Be Thou my Vision
'Be Thou my Vision' is a reassuring reminder of God’s ever-presence has popped up in many baptism services, not least that of Prince George in 2013. Its words come from an old Irish text that is often attributed to the 6th century Saint Dallán Forgail. But it is the music - a beautiful Irish folk tune called ‘Slane’ - that many of us remember. In fact, such was the melody’s popularity that it was also paired with three other hymn texts: ‘Lord of all Hopefulness’, ‘Lord of Creation, to Thee be all Praise’ and ‘God, In the Planning and Purpose of Life.’
Oh Jesus I have promised
John E Bode, an Anglican minister, wrote the text to this baptism hymn in 1868 for his daughter and two sons' confirmation service. ‘I have written a hymn containing all the important truths I want you to remember,’ he told them at the time. It went on to become one of the most enduring hymns of Christian devotion, sung at many confirmations and christenings, including that of Prince Louis in 2018.
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
Based on Joachim Neander’s German-language hymn, 'Lobe den Herren, den Mächtigen König der Ehren,' this was apparently a favourite of King Frederick William III of Prussia, who first heard it in 1800. He had good taste: it’s hard to imagine a more effective musical blend of joy and dignity. And this, most likely, is why it was sung at many royal occasions. You might remember it from the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s coronation or the Service of Thanksgiving for the 50th anniversary of VE Day. Most applicable here though, is that it was included in Princess Charlotte’s christening in 2015.
Come Down, O Love Divine
Although this hymn is usually sung for the festival of Pentecost, it is also very suitable for baptisms, thanks to its sense of vibrancy. The text was born out of an Italian poem, ‘Descend amor santo’ by the 14th century mystic poet Bianco de Siena. But it was the melody by the early 20th-century composer Ralph Vaughan Williams that established the hymn’s widespread popularity. He named his version ‘Down Ampney’ after the Gloucestershire village of his birth.
