‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation;
which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.’
Luke 2:29-32 NRSV
The passage above is called the “Nunc Dimittis”. It is sung by Simeon in the temple as he holds the infant Jesus. Simeon sings these words in gratitude to God for the gift of Jesus which is, for him and for Anna, a sign of God’s deliverance, God’s protection, God’s healing and God’s “being” made whole to them before their death. These words have been sung at the end of worship for generations. Sometimes they are sung at the end of a funeral or memorial service. Often the piece is sung as people leave a sanctuary and go out into the world. Many composers have created beautiful settings. While we will not be singing this on Sunday, we hope you might take time this week to listen to a few different versions in your own time. Consider the hundreds of thousands of persons who have gone before you who have considered these words. Reflect on our series and the many roles you have witnessed. Say a prayer of gratitude for the long history of God’s love, made known in so many ways, but especially through the Christmas Story.
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