Hymn of the Day: “In his temple now behold him” ELW 417
Text: Henry John Pye (1827-1903)
Tune: REGENT SQUARE, Henry T. Smart (1813-1879)

The hymn especially designed for this day is “In his temple now behold him”. We are the redeemed who praise God in this day for the salvation brought us by Christ, who is the incarnate God Most High (st. 2). This hymn was written in the mid-nineteenth century by the Anglican priest Henry Pye. Pye was married to the granddaughter of William Wilberforce, the eminent abolitionist. The language of redemption perhaps meant a great deal to this family, who were so closely connected with the end of the slave trade. (Gail Ramshaw)

Henry T. Smart composed REGENT SQUARE for the Horatius Bonar doxology "Glory be to God the Father." The tune was first published in the English Presbyterian Church's Psalms and Hymns for Divine Worship (1867), of which Smart was the music editor. The tune is named after the text editor of that hymnal, James Hamilton, minister of the Regent Square Church, the "Presbyterian cathedral" of London. The text,"Angels, from the realms of glory", is also usually associated with this tune.

Offertory: “Simeon’s Song” Bradley Ellingboe

The song is based on the New Testament passage in Luke 2 which describes Jesus' parents bringing Him to the temple to dedicate their firstborn son as required by the Mosaic Law.

Lord, now you let your servant go in peace. Your word has been fulfilled. My own eyes have seen the salvation of your people: To be a light to lighten the nations and the glory of Your people Israel. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. As it was, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Opening Voluntary: Mit Fried' und Freud'ich fahr'dahlin, J. S. Bach (1685-1750)

Taken from the Orgelbüchlein collection, this gentle and intimate piece by Bach is based on a metrical arrangement by Martin Luther of the Nunc Dimittis, the song sung by Solomon when the infant Christ was presented in the temple. This is celebrated on the Feast of the Presentation, also known as Candlemas, on 2nd February each year. This beautiful selection never fails to create an excellent impression. The tenor and alto parts are dominated by the joy motive rhythm and the bass proceeds in the step motive portraying faith. A comment in the Novello Edition describes this as: "One of the most intimate of Bach's works, this prelude is a perfect expression of the joy of the Nunc Dimittis.”

Closing Voluntary: “Oh Love, How Deep,” Stephen Gabrielsen

Retired Professor of Music at Augsburg College, Stephen Gabrielsen taught music theory and organ performance and was the college organist. He is a co-founder of "Exultate," the Twin Cities-based chamber choir and orchestra, and is a published composer of organ and choral music.