1. The old year now hath passed away;
We thank Thee, O our God, today
That Thou hast kept us through the year
When danger and distress were near.
2. We pray Thee, O eternal Son,
Who with the Father reign'st as One,
To guard and rule Thy Christendom
Through all the ages yet to come.
3. Take not Thy saving Word away,
Our souls' true comfort, staff, and stay.
Abide with us and keep us free
From errors, following only Thee.
4. Oh, help us to forsake all sin,
A new and holier course begin!
Mark not what once was done amiss;
A happier, better year be this,
5. Wherein as Christians we may live
Or die in peace that Thou canst give,
To rise again when Thou shalt come
And enter Thine eternal home.
6. There shall we thank Thee and adore
With all the angels evermore.
Lord Jesus Christ, increase our faith
To praise Thy name through life and death.
Hymn #125 from _The Lutheran Hymnal_
Text: John 15:4
Author: Johann Steuerlein, 1588, asc.
Translated by: Catherine Winkworth, 1863
Titled: "Das alte Jahr vergangen ist"
Tune: "Herr Jesu Christ, dich"
1st Published in: _Cantionale Germanicum_
Town: Dresden, 1628