On New Year’s Eve I posted an article about Auld Lang Syne — the meaning of the words, the origin of the song, and its relevance to us. Upon reading the article, one of my Bible college professors texted me to express his appreciation for the “essay” (his term). He then proceeded to point out two bits of information about the (Scottish traditional) tune of Auld Lang Syne:
It is the tune of “The Good Ole Song,” which is the de facto song of the University of Virginia (my professor’s alma mater).
It is also the tune of “All Glory Be to Christ,” a hymn written by Dustin Kensrue, released in 2012.
My prof’s text jogged my memory. A few years ago, I joined 12,000 other Christians (mostly pastors) in singing this hymn at the Together for the Gospel conference. (That recording appears at the end of this article.)
All Glory Be to Christ. This should be the theme of our lives. Paul testified, “For to me to live is Christ” (Phil. 1:21). Likewise, in Colossians 3:23-24, Paul wrote to his fellow believers,
Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ.
This past Sunday, the first Lord’s Day of the new year, I began preaching through Hebrews 13, the final chapter of this New Testament book that extols the supremacy of Christ. Chapter 13 is filled with practical commands for doing “that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen” (Heb. 13:21). In my Bible I wrote a heading over chapter 13: “Exalting Jesus in Everyday Life.” This should be our primary resolution that governs every other resolution we make in life.
Here are the lyrics to the hymn, “All Glory Be to Christ.” If you know the song Auld Lang Syne, then you’re already familiar with the tune. May its message ring loud and clear in our hearts, homes, and churches!
All Glory Be to Christ
Should nothing of our efforts stand,
no legacy survive;
Unless the Lord does raise the house,
in vain its builders strive.
To you who boast tomorrow’s gain,
tell me what is your life?
A mist that vanishes at dawn —
all glory be to Christ!
Chorus:
All glory be to Christ, our King.
All glory be to Christ!
His rule and reign we’ll ever sing,
All glory be to Christ!
His will be done, his kingdom come,
on earth as is above;
Who is Himself our daily bread,
praise Him, the Lord of love.
Let living water satisfy
the thirsty without price,
We’ll take a cup of kindness yet,
all glory be to Christ!
Chorus:
All glory be to Christ, our King.
All glory be to Christ!
His rule and reign we’ll ever sing,
All glory be to Christ!
When on the day the great I AM,
the Faithful and the True,
the Lamb who was for sinners slain,
is making all things new —
Behold, our God shall live with us
and be our steadfast light,
and we shall e’er his people be.
All glory be to Christ!
Chorus:
All glory be to Christ, our King.
All glory be to Christ!
His rule and reign we’ll ever sing,
All glory be to Christ!