The nunc dimittis

The nunc dimittis is also known as the ‘Song of Simeon’ or the ‘Canticle of Simeon’ and is a poem from Luke’s Gospel. Its name is of Latin origin and comes from its opening words (in the Vulgate translation of the passage) ‘Nunc dimittis servum tuum, Domine …’ (‘Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord …’

Simeon’s name derives from šāmaʿ, meaning ‘to hear’ and, according to the narrative in Luke 2:25–32, Simeon was an elderly, devout Jew who devoted his life to listened to God, and had learned from the Holy Spirit that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah. Simeon was waiting in the Temple when Mary and Joseph took their baby Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem in response to the Law of Moses, for the ceremony of redemption of the firstborn son (it was after the time of Mary's purification, so about 40 days after the birth, and thus distinct from the circumcision, which occurred when the child was seven days old). Simeon took the infant into his arms and said the words we today call the ‘Nunc dimittis’:

Now, Master, you let your servant go in peace.
You have fulfilled your promise.
My own eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight of all peoples.
A light to bring the Gentiles from darkness;
the glory of your chosen people Israel.

Although very brief, the poem abounds in allusions from the Old Testament. For example, ‘Because my eyes have seen thy salvation’ alludes to Isaiah 52:10.

Simeon could now rejoice at the prospect of death. Such a situation was previously unknown in Israel but things began to change. Simeon had seen the Saviour, and was now ready to die joyfully. One extremely ancient tradition says he died before the Holy Family had even left the Temple.

Since about the fourth century, the Nunc dimittis has been used in Christian services of evening worship such as Compline, Vespers, and Evensong.

They came, as called, according to the Law.
Though they were poor and had to keep things simple,
They moved in grace, in quietness, in awe,
For God was coming with them to His temple.

Amidst the outer court’s commercial bustle
They’d waited hours, enduring shouts and shoves,
Buyers and sellers, sensing one more hustle,
Had made a killing on the two young doves.

They come at last with us to Candlemas
And keep the day the prophecies came true
We glimpse with them, amidst our busyness,
The peace that Simeon and Anna knew.

For Candlemas still keeps His kindled light,
Against the dark our Saviour’s face is bright.

Candlemas, by Malcolm Guite

Sonnet © Malcolm Guite and reproduced with permission from https://malcolmguite.wordpress.com/2017/02/01/a-sonnet-for-candlemas-6/