Auld Lang Syne

happy-new-year

Auld Lang Syne appears to have been an existing Scottish folk song, chronicled and amended by their famous poet and author, Robert Burns. Burns sent the first known copy to the Scotts Musical Museum in 1788, claiming he had taken down the words from an old man. The obscure phrase so often repeated in the song, means roughly “old long since” conveying the idea “long, long ago” or “in times past.” It can be found at the beginning of Scottish fairy tales as the equivalent for “once upon a time.” The song has been a traditional favorite in English speaking countries for saying goodbye to the past year. It is also used by some nations for funerals and graduations.
 
This year, I stumbled across Christian words set to this well-known tune by a young writer named Dustin Kensrue . I find them powerful words for reflecting on the meaning of both the passing and the coming year. They offer a Biblical perspective on life and I intend to sing them this week as I hail the coming year. Here they are if you’d like to join me.
 
Should nothing of our efforts stand, no legacy survive;
Unless the Lord does raise the house, in vain its builders strive.
 
To you who boast tomorrow’s gain, tell me what is your life;
A mist that vanishes at dawn, all glory be to Christ!.
 
All glory be to Christ our king! All glory be to Christ!
His rule and reign will ever sing.  All glory be to Christ!
 
His will be done, His kingdom come on earth as is above;
Who is Himself our daily bread, praise Him the Lord of love.
 
Let living water satisfy the thirsty without price
We’ll take a cup of kindness yet, all glory be to Christ!
 
All glory be to Christ our king! All glory be to Christ!
His rule and reign will ever sing.  All glory be to Christ!
 
When on the day the great I Am, the faithful and the true;
The Lamb who was for sinners slain is making all things new.
 
Behold our God shall live with us and be our steadfast light;
And we shall ere his people be, all glory be to Christ!
 
All glory be to Christ our king! All glory be to Christ!
His rule and reign will ever sing.  All glory be to Christ!
 

 


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