Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and days of auld lang syne?
And days of auld lang syne, my dear, and days of auld lang syne.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and days of auld lang syne?

We twa hae run aboot the braes and pu'd the gowans fine.
We've wandered mony a weary foot, sin' auld lang syne.
Sin' auld lang syne, my dear, sin' auld lang syne,
We've wandered mony a weary foot, sin' auld lang syne.

We twa hae sported i' the burn, from morning sun till dine,
But seas between us braid hae roared sin' auld lang syne.
Sin' auld lang syne, my dear, sin' auld lang syne.
But seas between us braid hae roared sin' auld lang syne

And ther's a hand, my trusty friend, and gie's a hand o' thine;
We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet, for auld lang syne.
For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne,
We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet, for auld lang syne.

My friends in Christ,
What in the world does all of that mean? Robert Burns’ writing down of the old Scottish song Auld Lang Syne, has given us the gift of a song that generations have shared on New Year’s Eve. I must say however, that the lyrics to Auld Lang Syne, comprised of contractions of an old Scottish dialect, are not the easiest to comprehend. Personally, I’ve never been quite sure what I’ve being singing about. However, despite its semantics, the song still makes me reminisce of the people and places I’ve experienced and the decisions made along the way that have shaped my present.

The start of the New Year is a natural time to reflect on the past and wonder about the future.

To be among you has been a wonderful blessing of the Spirit! GPC is a truly unique and special place of ministry and, since last spring, I’ve thanked God everyday for bringing me to your doorstep and introducing me to such a committed and joyous congregation.

As I look forward to the future with you, it is with great anticipation for “the joy not yet revealed.” Together, we are on an ever-unfolding journey of discerning God’s call to bring the good news of life into all of those places we travel. Where will be travel and what will we accomplish in God’s name? We may not now until some future time when we sing “Auld lang syne.” Till that time, let us move forward to that which is in front of us.

May God’s blessings be upon each of you in this new year.

Glad Tidings and Happy New Year!

Barry