Sound sample - of the third setting - performed

by the Coraopolis UMC Early Music Group

The Nunc Dimittis (also Song of Simeon or Canticle of Simeon)

is a canticle from a text in the second chapter of Luke (Luke 2:29–32).

Simeon was a devout Jew who, according to the book of Luke, had been

promised by the Holy Ghost that he would not die until he had seen the

Saviour. When Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus to the Temple

in Jerusalem for the ceremony of consecration of the firstborn son,

Simeon was there, and he took Jesus into his arms and uttered the words:

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.

Sound sample - from the second setting -

performed by the Pittsburgh Compline Choir