麻豆约拍

Good morning and Happy New Year from Edinburgh, where the fireworks may be finished but the extended celebrations of Hogmanay and the New Year are still going on.聽 One of my own seasonal highlights came yesterday morning from another European city of culture, Vienna. The tradition of the annual New Year鈥檚 Day concert given by the Vienna Philharmonic in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein began in the dark days of the Anschluss, but now, broadcast to a television audience of many millions around the world, it simply lightens the darkness of these short winter days. Always at the heart of the concert is the Blue Danube waltz by Johann Strauss - I鈥檝e had a soft spot for it since I was a student in Vienna, while others will recognise it from the atmospheric, haunting soundtrack of the film 2001: A Space Odyssey.聽 Like the Christmas story itself, linking earth and heaven, time and space in its own unique way, this music never fails to lift my spirits.聽 What鈥檚 less known about it is that it was originally set to words which end with a passionate plea for loyalty and unity and protection 鈥渨hatever the day may bring us鈥�. Sounds to me like a call to prayer, not just for the day, but for the year.

Loving God, whatever the day may bring us, and whatever this coming year has in store for us, grant us loyalty and unity, we pray; loyalty to one another and to you, whose faithfulness endures for ever, and unity of purpose to seek the common good. And protect us with your guiding hand always upon us, and your sustaining love ever within. Amen.聽