Temple Time

Tune: Unde Et Memores

('And now, O Father, mindful of the love')

Luke 2 v.22-38

The 'Nunc Dimittis' is verses 29-32

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Mary, Joseph, at the first Candlemas

With Jesus who then forty days age was

They went to Temple, purification

After childbirth to those, Jewish nation

For the law, 'Every first-born male shall be

Called holy to the Lord', they obeyed free

 

And sacrifice they made, as said the Law

Two turtle-doves or two pigeons if poor

Then great revealings sure and prophecies

For agéd Simeon the Christ-child sees

'Twas revealed to him that he not see death

Before he had seen the Lord's Christ, was saith

 

Simeon by the Spirit came into

The Temple, met Jesus' parents anew

Took Christ-child in his arms, and did God bless

The 'Nunc Dimittis' words he did confess

For he had see Christ, true God's promises

he saw the Saviour of the world no less

 

His words were, Lord now let your servant here

Depart in peace, for I with lowly fear

Have seen your salvation, your holy one

Your child Jesus, your only pure true Son

You have prepared Him before every face

Of peoples of all nations, every race

 

He a light be to lighten the Gentiles

Light of salvation that never defiles

And He the glory of your people be

Your people Israel, they Him do see

Then marvellings at words so great and fine

Yet also He shall be to all a sign

 

A sign which shall be spoken against, for

The thoughts of many hearts be revealed sure

In their response when they Christ contemplate

Realising their unrepentant state

As like a sword that would pierce Mary's heart

It is, yet all may be saved every part

 

And too Anna, elderly prophetess

Was of a great, eighty-four, did bless

The people who came to the Temple there

She spoke of redemption that all may share

Faithful soul, from Temple did ne'er depart

Served God with fastings, prayers, e'en all her heart