There was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon…just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel…it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for Him after the custom of the law, then took he Him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
Luke 2:25–32Lord, 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; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel.
Words: Attributed to Michael Bruce (1746–1767).
Music: York. Melody from the Scottish Psalter, 1615. Harmony by John Milton, Sr. (1562–1647) (🔊 pdf nwc).
When Jesus, by the virgin brought,
So runs the law of Heav’n,
Was offered holy to the Lord,
And at the altar given;
Simeon the just and the devout,
Who, frequent in the fane,
Had for the Savior waited long,
But waited still in vain,
Came, Heav’n directed, at the hour
When Mary held her son;
He stretchèd forth his agèd arms,
While tears of gladness run:
With holy joy upon his face
The good old father smiled,
While fondly in his withered arms
He clasped the promised Child.
And then he lifted up to Heav’n
An earnest asking eye;
“My joy is full, my hour is come,
Lord, let Thy servant die!
“At last my arms embrace my Lord,
Now let their vigor cease;
At last my eyes my Savior see,
Now let them close in peace!
The star and glory of the land
Hath now begun to shine;
The morning that shall gild the globe
Breaks on these eyes of mine!