A short post for the end of the year 2025, and what could the subject be but Bach’s short chorale prelude on Das alte Jahr vergangen ist (the old year is past, BWV 614) from his Orgelbüchlein. The text of the chorale thanks the Lord Jesus Christ for having guided us so faithfully in need and danger this year:

Das alte Jahr vergangen ist,
wir danken dir, Herr Jesus Christ,
dass du in Not und in Gefahr,
so treu geführt uns dieses Jahr.

Bach ornaments the chorale melody, taken slowly and accompanied chromatically, with garlands of expressive decoration, giving overall a musical feeling more of mourning than of thankfulness. It is easy to hear this prelude as the passing of time, a sense that the old year will be missed; it is harder to hear either the excitement of a new year to come or the thankfulness for having come through the year that the chorale prima facie concerns.

Perhaps there is value in reflecting on all three of these aspects of the passing of a year. What has 2025 done for us? What will 2026 bring? How has the Lord held us and led us through need and danger? And how will He guide us on?

I will not pretend to answer all of these, but I pray all readers experience the blessings He has in store as time continues to pass.