Year End Meditation Dec 31 2023; was blind but now I see

Toasting you with my traditional favorites

As we say farewell to the year 2023, I contemplate the poems and songs that stir my soul. Eager to share them with you all.

From an even earlier epoch, may we sing and toast to the New Year ahead, yet treasure the best of the past, with Auld Lang Syne.

The lyrics are from a Scots-language poem written by Robert Burns in 1788, but based on an older Scottish folk song. In 1799, it was set to a traditional tune.

To finish the year in a state of grace, here is Amazing Grace. It was published in 1779, with words written by the English poet and Anglican clergyman John Newton. He was conscripted into service in the Royal Navy, and after leaving the service, became involved in the Atlantic slave trade. Then in 1748, a violent storm battered his vessel off the coast of County Donegal, Ireland. He called out to God for mercy, a moment that marked his spiritual conversion.

1. Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
   That saved a wretch like me!
   I once was lost, but now am found;
   Was blind, but now I see.

2. ’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
   And grace my fears relieved;
   How precious did that grace appear
   The hour I first believed.

3. Through many dangers, toils, and snares,
   I have already come;
   ’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
   And grace will lead me home.

4. The Lord has promised good to me,
   His Word my hope secures;
   He will my Shield and Portion be,
   As long as life endures.

5. Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
   And mortal life shall cease,
   I shall possess, within the veil,
   A life of joy and peace.

6. The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
   The sun forbear to shine;
   But God, who called me here below,
   Will be forever mine.

7. When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
   Bright shining as the sun,
   We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
   Than when we’d first begun.

Wishing you all serenity and joy in 2024!

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