Nunc Dimittis — Canticle of Simeon (Lk 2:29-32)

Canticle pronounced by the just Simeon in the Temple, on the day when he received in his arms the Infant Jesus presented by the Most Blessed Virgin Mary and by St Joseph — forty days after Christmas. Enlightened by the Holy Spirit who had revealed to him that he should not die until he had seen the Christ of the Lord, Simeon intones this brief canticle of farewell, contemplating in the child the universal salvation: a light to the Gentiles and glory of Israel. The Catholic Church recites this canticle every night at Compline of the Liturgy of the Hours, before sleep — preparing the believer for his own final good night, with the serenity of Simeon.

Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord,
according to thy word in peace:
Because my eyes have seen thy salvation,
Which thou hast prepared

before the face of all peoples:
A light to the revelation of the Gentiles,
and the glory of thy 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.