The happiest Year you will ever know

Posted on January 1, 2024 
Filed under Encouragement

From Tim Challies:

“There are some hymns that disappear because they are simply not very good. There are some hymns that disappear because they are too tied to a particular niche. And there are some hymns that disappear because their language becomes antiquated.

I think this hymn/poem by John Newton spans the latter two categories. It is closely tied to New Year’s, so likely to be sung for only one Sunday out of every 52. And then some of the language has become just a little bit old-fashioned.

Still, it is worth dusting off, reading, and pondering as one year fades into another. In it, Newton marks the year that has gone and celebrates the year to come (though possibly not right now) – the year that will prove to be the best of your life. …”

– Read here.

And Marylynn Rouse at The John Newton Project provides some context for the hymn.

Marylynn also shares news of the calling home of the Rev. Tony Baker, one of the founding trustees of the John Newton Project.

At various times, Tony also served with the UCCF, Africa Evangelical Fellowship, the Evangelical Alliance, was Director of Evangelicals Now and held many pastoral roles. He last preached at Holy Trinity Eastbourne in September 2023, on the 60th anniversary of his ordination.

Photo of John Newton’s portrait with thanks to Marylynn Rouse.