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An icon of the Meeting, showing Mary passing Jesus into the arms of Simeon ‘the God-receiver’ in the Temple at Jerusalem. The icon dates back to 1408, in the reign of King Henry IV of England.
Introduction
When Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the Temple at Jerusalem, as the law required, to present him to God as their firstborn, old Simeon saw in the tiny baby the fulfilment of all his hopes. The translation is from the Book of Common Prayer, first published in 1549.
LORD, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word.*
For mine eyes have seen thy Salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people.
To be a light to lighten the Gentiles, and to be the glory of thy people Israel.
* The opening words in Latin are ‘Nunc dimittis’ (meaning ‘Now you dismiss’), by which the song is known to many choirs.
Related Video
The Nunc Dimittis, set to music by Orlando Gibbons (1583-1625) for his Short Service, and performed here by the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge, conducted by Stephen Cleobury.
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Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace : according to thy word.
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation : which thou hast prepared before the face of all people.
To be a light to lighten the Gentiles : and to be the glory of thy people Israel.
[getkjvref:Luke 2:29-32] as given in the Book of Common Prayer (1662)