Continuing our coverage of Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s New Years poem, “In Memoriam (Ring out, wild bells)” here are stanzas seven and eight and the conclusion of the poem. Be sure and join us as John reads and comments on the poem for our New Years Eve celebration and communion service at 6pm Pacific on Facebook Live at http://www.facebook.com/thecatch. (See the entire poem below.)

Ring out old shapes of foul disease;
Ring out the narrowing lust of gold;
Ring out the thousand wars of old,
Ring in the thousand years of peace.

Ring in the valiant man and free,
The larger heart, the kindlier hand;
Ring out the darkness of the land,
Ring in the Christ that is to be.

Stanzas seven and eight round out the poem and bring it to the only conclusion that can guarantee its coming true. The Grinch would understand the last stanza, especially “the larger heart and the kindlier hand.” Never has there been a greater need for empathy and kindness in our world — qualities gradually disappearing from our social landscape.

But most important is that the poet has concluded with “Ring in the Christ that is to be.” “The Christ that is to be” is the Christ that will show up in and through you and me. None of these changes in the New Year will be possible without Him living in us. We are the Christ that is to be, because Christ is waiting to come alive in each one of us by faith. Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky… Ring in the Christ that is to be — in you and me!

*   *   *   *   *

As we stand on the threshold of the upcoming year, we want you to know that in our daily scriptural studies, the words we pen, and the ministries we undertake, you are always at the forefront of our minds. Our acts of love are aimed at quickening your heartbeat and fortifying any fraying nerves. We extend an invitation to join us on a transformative journey in 2024, where we hope to unearth new insights into your faith, culture, and personal lives.

In the pursuit of shared discovery, we aspire to craft a new song of deliverance — a melody of hope that echoes the harmony of reconciliation. Together, let us be the voices that bridge divides and serve as catalysts for unity.

As voices of reconciliation, we envision being prototypes of God’s Kingdom, embracing inclusivity and diversity. With thoughts of heaven guiding us, we aim to deliver a powerful message of acceptance — a potent antidote to the blind passions and willful ignorance that threaten us all.

In this transformative journey, our lives will be forever altered as God invites us into His divine business. We will gain insights into His perspective, hear His voice clearly, understand how to reach where He is, and become instruments through which He acts.

Reflecting on the growth experienced in 2023, which demanded many of us to stretch beyond our comfort zones, we approach 2024 with confidence, viewing it as the promise of a new era — a resurgence.

Built on the foundation of overcoming personal barriers and motivating participation in God’s business, the Catch Ministry introduces the Gospel of Welcome—Grace Turned Outward—to everyone, everywhere.

As we shoulder our responsibilities to the Catch community and each other, we eagerly anticipate a year of significance as voices of reconciliation. Together, we become part of something much larger than ourselves — a global movement restoring life with its message of hope.

To achieve this goal, we seek your investment in executing our vision. Consider making a significant end-of-the-year gift to the Catch Ministry, dedicating your proven background, experience, and abilities. (Click on the banner below to contribute)

Before God and united with you, our co-creators, we declare that 2024 will be an astonishing adventure for all of us as voices of reconciliation. With anticipation and great joy, we welcome the journey ahead.

Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky… Ring in the Christ that is to be — in you and me!

Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,

      The flying cloud, the frosty light:

   The year is dying in the night;

Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.

Ring out the old, ring in the new,

   Ring, happy bells, across the snow:

   The year is going, let him go;

Ring out the false, ring in the true.

Ring out the grief that saps the mind

   For those that here we see no more;

   Ring out the feud of rich and poor,

Ring in redress to all mankind.

Ring out a slowly dying cause,

   And ancient forms of party strife;

   Ring in the nobler modes of life,

With sweeter manners, purer laws.

Ring out the want, the care, the sin,

   The faithless coldness of the times;

   Ring out, ring out my mournful rhymes

But ring the fuller minstrel in.

Ring out false pride in place and blood,

   The civic slander and the spite;

   Ring in the love of truth and right,

Ring in the common love of good.

Ring out old shapes of foul disease;

   Ring out the narrowing lust of gold;

   Ring out the thousand wars of old,

Ring in the thousand years of peace.

Ring in the valiant man and free,

   The larger heart, the kindlier hand;

   Ring out the darkness of the land,

Ring in the Christ that is to be.