January, 2025

AULD LANG SYNE

I have heard the song, “Auld Lang Syne,” all my life. They play it on New Year’s Eve. They sing it at the end of the classic Christmas movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” with people making toasts to their loved ones and friends. But really, what does it mean to sing, “should old acquaintance be forgot?” Where did this song come from, and how did it become associated with the passing of a year? Inquiring minds want to know! I decided to learn more.

It originated in Scotland in 1788 as a poem by Robert Burns. He sent it to the Scots Musical Museum, where it became a traditional song for Scots to sing just before midnight, any midnight, not necessarily New Year’s Eve. But what does the title mean? Auld Lang Syne can mean several things, such as “times gone by” or “for old time’s sake”. It does make sense when you substitute “times gone by” instead of auld lang syne in the lyrics: “For ‘times gone by,’ my dear; for ‘times gone by.’ We’ll drink a cup of kindness yet for the sake of ‘times gone by.’”

But how did it get from Scotland to here? Blame Guy Lombardo. In 1929, Lombardo and his band played Auld Lang Syne as a transitional piece while performing at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City during a New Year’s Eve broadcast. It was played just after midnight, and the rest is history.

So, this year as you celebrate the passing of 2024 and the beginning of 2025, take a moment to think of what has passed by in your life over the last 12 months. Give thanks to God for the times you were strengthened and lifted. Give thanks for the relationships with loved ones, family, and friends. And take a cup of kindness yet, for the sake of auld lang syne.

Thank you for the privilege of serving as your pastor this last year. You have truly been a blessing to me.

Blessings ~ Pastor Richard
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Olive Branch Christian Church

Welcome To Olive Branch

Jesus said to his disciples… “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me…”

Olive Branch Christian Church exists to help bring people into a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, nurture them toward spiritual maturity, and equip them to share God’s grace and love in ministry.

At Olive Branch We:

  • Worship God
  • Grow as Christ’s followers
  • Serve to touch lives with God’s love
  • Give to build God’s kingdom
  • Invite more people into a life saving relationship with Jesus Christ

We invite you to explore how you might grow in your faith at Olive Branch, and we hope you’ll come to experience for yourself what Olive Branch Christian Church is all about.

Located on Route 60 between Norge and Toano, Virginia, Olive Branch Christian Church has stood proudly for over 175 years.

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