What a great way to end 2007 and prepare for 2008 -- I'm learning something new. That seems to be a daily occurrence lately. For many decades I said the Nunc Dimittis at church and had no idea what it was or where came from. It came after communion. I just said it.Part of the message during the service this Sunday was a reading in Luke 2:33-38.
Nunc Dimittis (noonk di-MIT-iss)
Latin for "now dismiss." These are the words spoken by Simeon as he held the 40-day-old Jesus in his arms (Luke 2:25—35). One of the New Testament canticles, it was traditionally used in the daily service of Compline and as an alternate to the Magnificat in Vespers. In the Lutheran Church it is also appointed for use following the distribution of the Lord’s Supper.
Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel."
From the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod: https://www.lcms.org/graphics/assets/media/Worship/litgloss.pdf
Nunc Dimittis (noonk di-MIT-iss)
Latin for "now dismiss." These are the words spoken by Simeon as he held the 40-day-old Jesus in his arms (Luke 2:25—35). One of the New Testament canticles, it was traditionally used in the daily service of Compline and as an alternate to the Magnificat in Vespers. In the Lutheran Church it is also appointed for use following the distribution of the Lord’s Supper.
For more information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nunc_dimittis
