The feast of Simeon is celebrated on October 8th. Simeon is one of my favorite saints. We know him only from his welcoming the infant Jesus, and his mother and father, into the temple. But the words of his welcome have become immortalized in what we know as the Nunc dimittis. For centuries the Nunc dimittis has been joined with the Magnificat to provide the outline for evening worship. Composers throughout the history of the Church have set it to different melodies to allow us to join in that very special moment of worship in the temple in Jerusalem.
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;
A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
