December 31, 2020

O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things… - Psalm 98

New Year’s Eve, or as the old Christians church has called it “watch night.” In modern times it has been a time for gathering and celebrating the end of a year and the dawning of a new one. With all that has happened in 2020, we might be celebrating even more that this historically hard year is over. Though for many of us, we know that just because the calendar changes over, doesn’t mean very much changes.

Yes, each new year has new possibilities, new hopes, new dreams. And for those willing to put in the work, these possibilities can certainly be realities. But one thing remains true, any change, starts from within. The psalmist reminds us that we are to “sing to the Lord a new song..” it is a reminder that in the Lord, we have been changed from the inside. We rejoice in the great things that God has done in our lives, and we allow those great things that God has done for us to shape and define how we choose to live from this point on. This reminder does not erase our past, but helps us to remember that we are not our past, but we are who God has and is shaping us to be in His image.

There’s an old Scot’s hymn, Auld Lang Syne, we often sing on this day, and while not recorded until sometime in the early 1700’s it is believed to from a more ancient time among the Scots people to cherish the ‘old times’ but to remember to ‘take a cup of kindness yet’ The song imparts to us to remember old friendships, and cherish the memories of times past, but at the same time we live in a present moment.

And surely you'll buy your pint cup!
and surely I'll buy mine!
And we'll take a cup o' kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

For a past year we may not soon forget, and for the blessings to a new year coming with a new song and new hope. Cheers to you and yours. Happy New Year.

Grace & Peace,
Sam