O Lord Now Let Your Servant
O Lord, now let Your servant depart
The hymn embodies Lutheran theology's emphasis on justification by faith, presenting Simeon's peace as the assurance of salvation through Christ's redemptive work. Luther's translation emphasizes the evangelical joy of recognizing Christ as the promised Savior and the light to all nations, central to Lutheran Christology.
History & Background
Luther translated the Nunc Dimittis (Song of Simeon) into German verse around 1524, creating a paraphrase that captures the spiritual meaning of Simeon's canticle. The hymn became a standard in Lutheran worship, particularly for Candlemas and services emphasizing Christ as the light of revelation.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 313
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 339
- Lutheran Service Book — 908
- Lutheran Worship — 61
Translation
Bulletin Note
Luther's 1524 translation of Simeon's canticle (Luke 2:29-32) emphasizes the evangelical joy of recognizing Christ as promised Savior and light to all nations—the heart of Lutheran comfort.
Preaching Connection
This hymn amplifies the Gospel's power to transform fear into peace: the Law shows us our waiting and need; the Gospel reveals that Christ himself is our redemption, and faith receives the gift that satisfies all longing.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Simeon's canticle fulfilled: the Law's patient longing met by Gospel revelation; from faithful waiting to universal salvation-light
Themes
Simeon's joy fulfillment of promise salvation revealed peaceful death Christ as light