On your Church Calendar you will see that today is a Holy Day, The Presentation of the Lord. This familiar Canticle from Evening Prayer comes to mind.

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; To be a light to lighten the Gentiles, and to be the glory of thy people Israel. (BCP, page22)

The Nunc Dimittis is the song of the very devout elder Simeon who greeted Mary and Joseph when they brought Jesus to the Temple forty days after his birth to do for him what was required according to the Law. The offering they brought was a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, the offering of a poor family. During the Temple rituals the priest declared Mary to be ceremonially clean and her first-born son, Jesus, redeemed according to the Law. Mary and Joseph ensured that the laws regarding the birth of Jesus were fulfilled. Besides Simeon’s song, words of prophecy and praise were also offered by the prophet Anna who spoke of Jesus being the promised King to come and deliver Jerusalem.

A wonderful day in the life of Jesus, our Lord.

Bible Reading: Luke 2:28-33; Exodus 13:2, 11-16; Malachi 3:1-5