We stand at this, the turn of year

A New Year's Hymn

Photo by Aamir Suhail on Unsplash

At the end of 2022 I read again that lovely old poem by Minnie Louise Haskins ‘God Knows’.

The opening lines go like this:

And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:
"Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown".
And he replied:
"Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God.
That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way".
So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night.
And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East.

As I thought about it I decided to turn it into a hymn, set the to glorious tune of Auld Lang Syne, and today seemed like a good day to share it with you all:

We stand at this, the turn of year,
And seek a light to see.
Yet better far if Christ be near:
A surer guide is he.
If Christ has died your soul to save,
Fear not though fierce winds blow.
He’ll carry you through life and grave:
Your God won’t let you go.

We stand at this, the turn of year,
And know not what’s before.
Yet, Christ beside, the end is clear:
We sail for heaven’s shore.
We go not forth into the dark
Without a light or guide.
But safe and sure with Christ embark
And travel by his side. 

We stand at this, the turn of year
And see uncertain days.
Yet we go forth in faith, not fear,
For God plans all our ways.
And “Ebenezer” we shall sing
For God helped in our past
And knowing he is always king
We trust him to the last.  

A very happy New Year to you all!