12/20/2025
LUKE 2:28-30 "Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 'Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation.'"
ADVENT DAY 20 The devout man Simeon blessed baby Jesus and His parents at the Temple, taking the infant in his arms, praising God for fulfilling His promise that he would see the Messiah before dying, and prophesying that Jesus would bring salvation, be a light to the Gentiles, and cause both the rise and fall of many in Israel, while also foretelling Mary's future sorrow. His prayer became the "Nunc Dimittis" or Song of Simeon, an ancient hymn used daily in Christian Evening Prayer (Compline) as a peaceful closing, giving thanks and entrusting oneself to God's care:
"Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace: your word has been fulfilled."
"My own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people:"
"A light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel."
"Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen."