This Is a Day of New Beginnings Meaning, History, and Theology
"This is a day of new beginnings"
- Written
- 1978
- Category
- Hymn
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Story
This Is a Day of New Beginnings is a contemporary hymn by Brian Wren that celebrates the transformative power of God's grace. It explores themes of renewal, resurrection, and the Christian hope of being a new creation in Christ.
Overview
This Is a Day of New Beginnings has emerged as a cornerstone of late 20th-century hymnody, offering a profound theology of hope and renewal. It addresses the human need for fresh starts, grounding the possibility of change not in human willpower, but in the redemptive love of God. The hymn masterfully balances the act of remembering the past with the liturgical command to 'move on,' making it an essential text for moments of transition.
Pastorally, the hymn is exceptionally useful for Easter, where it frames the Resurrection as the ultimate 'new beginning' for the cosmos. It is equally powerful in the context of the Lord's Supper or Baptism, where the 'outward signs' of grace meet the inward reality of a life being reshaped by God. It offers a gentle but firm invitation to lay to rest 'the pain that's gone,' providing spiritual closure to the brokenness of previous chapters while looking forward to what love is bringing.
In modern worship, it serves as a bridge between traditional forms and contemporary sensibilities. Its language is accessible yet deeply scriptural, avoiding clichés in favor of fresh metaphors for grace. It reminds the congregation that the Christian life is not a static state but a dynamic process of being made new in Christ, a journey that begins afresh every time the community gathers to worship.
Historical Background
Brian Wren wrote this hymn in 1978 for a New Year's Day service at the Oxford United Reformed Church. He sought to create a text that moved beyond the superficial resolutions often associated with the new year, focusing instead on the theological depth of God's 'newness.' Originally written in four stanzas, Wren later added a fifth stanza specifically for Communion. The hymn gained significant popularity through its inclusion in the 1982 collection 'Faith Looking Forward' and subsequent major denominational hymnals. It represents Wren's commitment to creating 'honest' hymnody that acknowledges human struggle while celebrating divine victory.
Biblical Foundations
The hymn's primary biblical engine is the 'New Creation' motif found in 2 Corinthians 5. Wren synthesizes this with the prophetic declarations of Isaiah 43, where God promises to do a 'new thing' that springs forth even in the wilderness. The mention of 'Christ is alive' in later stanzas directly links the possibility of human renewal to the objective truth of the Resurrection. Furthermore, the theme of 'laying to rest' reflects the biblical command to forget what lies behind and strain toward what lies ahead (Philippians 3:13).
Verse Explanation
Verse 1 sets the scene of a fresh start, emphasizing the need to both remember and let go. Verse 2 (not provided) typically expands on the nature of God's presence in our history. Verse 3 often focuses on the 'new creation' in Christ. Verse 4 (or the added Communion verse) centers on the 'outward signs' of bread and wine as the fuel for this new journey. The progression moves from the psychological act of starting over to the theological reality of being sustained by Christ's life.
Theological Reflection
The hymn explores the doctrine of Sanctification—the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. It posits that 'new beginnings' are a sacramental reality facilitated by the presence of Christ. Theologically, it challenges a static view of the atonement, suggesting instead that the 'victory' of Christ is a living force that continuously breaks into the present to heal and redirect human lives. It also touches on the theology of 'Memory and Hope,' where remembering the past serves not to bind the believer to guilt, but to provide a baseline for measuring the 'newness' of God's future.
Church Impact
This hymn has seen widespread adoption across ecumenical lines, appearing in United Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopal, and United Church of Christ hymnals. It is frequently chosen for the first Sunday of the year, Eastertide, and congregational anniversaries. Its impact lies in its ability to give voice to the hope of renewal in an era often characterized by cynicism or fear of change.
Musical Notes
The tune BEGINNINGS by Carlton R. Young is a modern, slightly folk-inflected melody that moves in a comfortable 9.8.9.8 meter. It is characterized by its warmth and gentle forward momentum. The harmonic structure is straightforward, allowing the congregation to focus on the weight of the text. It should be played with a sense of flow—not too rushed, but avoid a dirge-like tempo, as the spirit of the hymn is one of quiet triumph and expectation.
Application
- Identify a specific 'pain that's gone' which you have been holding onto, and liturgically lay it to rest through prayer.
- Approach your next Communion service as a literal 'day of new beginnings' for your spiritual walk.
- Use the hymn's focus on 'moving on' to guide a transition period in your personal life or local church community.
- Reflect on the 'new things' God is currently doing in your surroundings, even if they seem small or unnoticed.
Discussion Questions
- What is the difference between 'remembering' and 'being stuck in the past' according to this hymn?
- How does the Resurrection of Christ make 'new beginnings' possible for us today?
- What does it mean to 'believe what love is bringing' when circumstances seem difficult?
- Why is the theme of 'new beginnings' particularly appropriate for the Lord's Supper?
- In what ways has God recently made 'all things new' in your experience?
Teaching Tips
- Use this hymn during a baptismal service to emphasize the 'new life' the candidate is entering.
- Explain the historical context of Brian Wren's 'social gospel' focus to show how personal renewal leads to social change.
- Teach the congregation to notice the rhythm of the 9.8 meter, which creates a natural 'breath' in the phrases.
- Suggest using the first verse as a call to worship on the first Sunday of a new liturgical season.
Sources
-
Wren, Brian. 'Faith Looking Forward.' Hope Publishing Company, 1983.
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Young, Carlton R. 'Companion to The United Methodist Hymnal.' Abingdon Press, 1993.
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Hymnary.org: This Is a Day of New Beginnings.
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Wren, Brian. 'Praying Twice: The Music and Words of Congregational Song.' Westminster John Knox Press, 2000.
Lyrics
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Sheet Music
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