NEW YEAR'S EVE

Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;

The fellowship of kindred minds

Is like to that above.

Before our Father’s throne,

We pour our ardent prayers;

Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,

Our comforts, and our cares.

We share our mutual woes,

Our mutual burdens bear;

And often for each other flows

The sympathizing tear.

When we asunder part,

It gives us inward pain;

But we shall still be joined in heart,

And hope to meet again.

John Fawcett, 1782               

For many years growing up, one of my favorite things was New Year's Eve at church. They ALWAYS showed the inspirational movie, A Man Called Peter. The life of a Scotsman relocated to the U.S., called Peter Marshall, who eventually became chaplain of the U.S. Senate.

His wife's name was Catherine Marshall , and when she is just 35 he dies of a heart attack (he's just 47). After his death, she perseveres in raising their son and eventually is an accomplished author herself.

The closing scene in the movie is of Catherine joining young Peter John in the family dinghy. She had always been afraid of the water, but she steps up symbolically and literally, and heads out for a sail with Peter John.

I've always loved that film. And, as I research a bit for this blog entry I see that it was an Oscar-nominated film.

And, the worship part of the New Year's Eve service always ended with Dr. Dunn having us stand around the inside perimeter of the sanctuary and join hands as he led us in singing a capella, Bless Be the Tie that Binds.