In His Temple Now Behold Him

This is Tantum ergo.

I have covered this traditional song on the blog and only mention it here because it has been added to Breaking Bread for 2025. I have an ancient document – Breaking Bread 2012 – and it is certainly there.

Does this mean if you are using Breaking Bread at some point OCP said you can’t use this public domain hymn and now has decided you can?

It is set to ST THOMAS by John Francis Wade, probably. The text is by Henry J. Pyle, except verse four by William Cooke.

1 In His temple now behold Him;
See the long-expected Lord!
Ancient prophets had foretold him;
God hath now fulfilled His word.
Now to praise Him, His redeemèd
Shall break forth with one accord.

2 In the arms of her who bore Him,
Virgin pure, behold Him lie,
While His aged saints adore Him,
Ere in perfect faith they die:
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Lo, the incarnate God most high!

3 Jesus, by Thy Presentation,
Thou, Who didst for us endure,
Make us see Thy great salvation,
Seal us with Thy promise sure;
And present us in Thy glory
To Thy Father cleansed and pure.

4 Prince and author of salvation,
Be Thy boundless love our theme!
Jesus, praise to Thee be given
By the world Thou didst redeem,
With the Father and the Spirit,
Lord of majesty supreme!