Nunc Dimittis
Aled Jones Lyrics


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Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace,
(Depart in peace),
According to thy word,
(According to thy word),
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
(Thy salvation),
Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people,
(All people),
To be a light to lighten the Gentiles and to be the glory of thy people, Israel.
(Of thy people, Israel),

Glory to the father,
And to the son,
And to the holy ghost,
As it was in the beginning,
Is now and ever shall be,




World without end,
Amen.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Aled Jones's "Nunc Dimittis" are based on the biblical account of Simeon who encountered the baby Jesus at the temple of Jerusalem. Simeon was a righteous and devout man who had been waiting for the promised Messiah. When he saw the baby Jesus, he knew that he had seen the salvation of God and declared "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace." This phrase is often used as a prayer at the end of the day or at the end of one's life, acknowledging that God's promise has been fulfilled and that one can depart in peace.


The lyrics go on to affirm that God's salvation is not just for the Jewish people but for all people, as a light to the Gentiles. This reflects the Christian belief that Jesus came to save not just the Jews but all humankind. The final lines of the song, "Glory to the father, and to the son, and to the holy ghost," affirm the doctrine of the Holy Trinity - that God is one God in three persons.


Overall, the lyrics of "Nunc Dimittis" are a beautiful expression of faith and trust in God's promises. They remind us that God's salvation is for all and call us to praise the Triune God.


Line by Line Meaning

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, (Depart in peace)
I am now ready to rest in peace, as I have fulfilled my purpose according to your will.


According to thy word, (According to thy word)
I trust in your word and your promises, and I am at peace knowing that I am following your plan for me.


For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, (Thy salvation)
I have witnessed your ultimate plan for humanity, and I am in awe of the salvation you offer to all who seek it.


Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people, (All people)
Your salvation is not limited to a select few, but available to all who choose to seek it out, and you have been preparing this destiny for all of humanity since the beginning of time.


To be a light to lighten the Gentiles and to be the glory of thy people, Israel. (Of thy people, Israel)
Your salvation will bring light and hope to all, and will ultimately bring glory to your chosen people, Israel.


Glory to the father,
We give all glory and honor to God the Father.


And to the son,
We also acknowledge the role of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, in bringing about our salvation.


And to the holy ghost,
We recognize the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding us towards the truth and enabling us to live out our faith.


As it was in the beginning,
We acknowledge the eternal nature of God and his plan for humanity, which has existed since the beginning of time.


Is now and ever shall be,
God's plan will always be relevant and available to us, no matter what time or place we find ourselves in.


World without end,
God's power and love will never cease, and will be present throughout all of eternity.


Amen.
We affirm our belief in everything we have just proclaimed, and trust in God's sovereignty and grace.




Writer(s): Geoffrey Burgon Copyright: G. Schirmer Inc.

Contributed by Olivia I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@charlespreston9358

Beautiful piece of music beautifully sung. Thank you!

@whisperedmessage4409

Aled’s tone and diminuendo are unmatched

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