Faithful vigil ended (The Presentation of Christ in the Temple)

Today, February 2nd, is the day of the Feast of the Purification, or the Feast of the Presentation, commonly called Candelmas. It is a day of purification, renewal, and hope. On this day, exactly 40 days after Christmas, we commemorate Mary's obedience to the Mosaic law by submitting herself to the Temple for the ritual purification, as commanded in Leviticus.

It is the day when Mary "presents" Jesus in the Temple, and the aged Simeon, realizes that the Salvation of the world has come. Many texts say things like: a Priest and Victim brings himself to his own altar, etc.

The "Nunc dimittis" or "Song of Simeon" is sung daily in the liturgy of the Church. In the Anglican service of evensong, "Nunc dimittis" is the 2nd canticle. ("Magnificat" being the first.

In the Roman usage, "Nunc dimittis" is sung at Compline, the final liturgical office of the day.

This hymn is a "modern" one. It has an immediate lilting appeal, and sounds sort of "Irish" its folk-like quality. The name of the tune is "Glenfinlas".

The music is by Kenneth Finlay (1882-1974). He was a member of the Royal Institute of Naval Architects (RINA), Finlay switched to a music career in 1928, and studied at the Royal Academy of Music, then at the Teachers’ Training College, Jordanhill, Glasgow. He became Music Master at the Irvine Royal Academy, and retired in 1947.

The text is by Timothy Dudley-Smith OBE (born 26 December 1926), a retired bishop of the Church of England. Born in Manchester, he was educated at Tonbridge School and Pembroke College, Cambridge, and theology at Ridley Hall.

He served as Archdeacon of Norwich from 1973 to 1981 and as Bishop of Thetford from 1981 to 1991. He is a member and honorary vice-president of the Hymn Society of Great Britain and Ireland. The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada has named him a "fellow".

The score is attached below, as well as a photo Bishop Dudley-Smith, as well as a painting of the Presentation by James Tissot.