For auld lang syne. . .

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne?

Chorus:
For auld lang syne, my jo,
for auld lang syne,
we'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

And surely ye'll be your pint-stoup!
and surely I'll be mine!
And we'll tak' a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.  Chorus

We twa hae run about the braes,
and pou'd the gowans fine;
But we've wander'd mony a weary fit,
sin' auld lang syne.  Chorus

We twa hae paidl'd in the burn,
frae morning sun till dine;[c]
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
sin' auld lang syne.  Chorus

And there's a hand, my trusty fiere!
and gie's a hand o' thine!
And we'll tak' a right gude-willie waught,
for auld lang syne.  Chorus

For the sake of old times...  For auld lang syne.  Its okay to be a little sad as the day fades into night and one year passes to another.  I am.  It represents the end of an era for me and not simply the end of one year.  I think of those whom we laid to rest during the year.  I think of those who moved and are no longer in our familiar circle.  I think of children who graduated and left home.  I think of people who began this last year healthy and now live with chronic and difficult illness.  I think of a lot of things and I am sad at what I am leaving behind.  Its okay to be sad about that.  This is what sin did.  It took from us more than a clear conscience but life and friendships and health and hope.  Sin left us with a ticking clock that reminds us always of what is temporary (even us in this mortal life).  I am not suggesting we need be morbid or depressed but it is okay to be sad over what is passing away from our lives.  Of course, we are also fully aware of what God has done to answer sin and its claim upon us and those precious to us.  We grieve not as the hopeless but the hopeful who still ache with sorrow over what we lose.  It hurts.  It does.  For the sake of old times we raise a glass and spend the remaining moments of 2024 with those whom we love.  But, if we are smart, we will also spend it with the Lord.  Go to Church.  Join in prayer.  Think of the past that is gone and of the future God provides that can never go.  Shed a tear and spend a melancholy moment but do not forget to rejoice in the goodness of Him who anchors our lives in hope with the gift of His Son and redeems the time from loss to memory and a future we already anticipate even before we enter it.  For old times' sake.