Tune: Melita
(\'Eternal Father, strong to save\')
Luke 2 v.25-32 parts
For Candlemas Day: Feb 2.
***********
Jesus, infant dedication
At forty days age, He God\'s Son
Presented in God\'s Temple there (in Jerusalem)
Simeon, Anna, they did share
With His parents in the event
Saw the Christ-child from heaven sent
Simeon took up in His arms
Jesus, whose peace for the world calms
He blessed God, said \'Nunc Dimittis\'
His words of wonder, they be this
Lord, now let your servant depart
Your Son Jesus has warmed my heart
So let me now depart in peace
For your true word, it did not cease
That I should not see death before
I had seen the Lord\'s Christ for sure
My eyes have seen your salvation
he prepared now for each nation
You, Lord, have Him prepared before
Face of all people, we adore
A light to lighten the Gentiles
And the glory of Israel\'s
They your people, Anointed One
Here is shown in Christ-child your Son
Mary and Joseph did marvel
At those words here, they heard them all
Simeon blessed them, to Mary
Said, Behold this child is set, see
For the fall and rising again
Of many of Israel\'s men (and women)
And He be for a sign which shall
Be spoken against, tongues will tell
And a sword shall pierce your own soul
Mary, in your sorrows and toil
So thoughts of many hearts revealed
They stay not hidden, unconcealed
Then Anna there, a prophetess
She of age eighty-four no less
A widow, she did not depart
From Temple, served with all her heart
Served God with fastings and with prayers
She gave thanks, of redemption shared