In the temple now behold him,
See the long-expected Lord;
Ancient prophets had foretold him,
Now fulfilled God's promised word.
Simeon and Anna hail him
Ere in faith and hope they die.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Lo, th’incarnate God most high.
Jesus, by thy presentation,
Thou, who didst for us endure,
Help us know thy great salvation,
Seal us with thy promise sure.
Henry J. Pye, 1851; alt.
Tune: HALTON HOLGATE (8.7.8.7.)
William Boyce, 1765
For more on this feast day (also known as Candlemas) which is not particularly well-known, but which has a number of nice hymns, see the links below. The fifteenth-century painting above is The Presentation of Christ in the Temple by Fra Angelico.
Five Years Ago: O Zion, open wide thy gates
Four Years Ago: Hail to the Lord who comes
Three Years Ago: O Jerusalem belovèd
Two Years Ago: In peace and joy I now depart
