Summary3 min read

Podcast Summary: Breakpoint – "Reflections for New Year's Day"

Episode Date: January 1, 2026
Host: John Stonestreet (Colson Center)
Featured Segment: Classic commentary by Chuck Colson
Theme: The origins and legacy of “Amazing Grace” as a lens for New Year’s reflection on God’s transformative grace.

Overview

This special New Year's Day episode of Breakpoint centers on the story behind the beloved hymn "Amazing Grace" and its author, John Newton. The commentary, originally from Chuck Colson, uses Newton’s journey from slave trader to priest—and the writing of “Amazing Grace”—to encourage listeners to reflect on God’s redemptive work in their own lives as they enter a new year.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Historical Context of "Amazing Grace"

John Newton’s Reflection:
At the end of December 1772, Anglican priest John Newton, preparing a sermon for New Year’s Day 1773, was inspired by David’s words in 1 Chronicles 17:16–17:

“Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my family that you have brought me thus far?”
(00:20–00:46)
Newton’s Life Journey:
- Newton’s past as a rebellious young man, slave trader, and eventual Christian convert is recounted.
- He remembered his low points—exile from ships, public punishments, shipwrecks, and mutinies—which contrasted with his transformation through faith.
- His experiences shaped the powerful, personal words found in "Amazing Grace."
  (00:46–01:31)

2. Writing of “Amazing Grace”

Newton composed the hymn specially for his poor parish in Olney, speaking to a congregation of lace-makers and artisans.
The hymn was first sung on New Year’s Day 1773, reflecting both his personal testimony and universal themes of grace and deliverance:

“He would reflect on the Amazing Grace that had saved a wretch like him.”
(01:44–01:50)
The hymn initially remained obscure, even as Newton mentored figures like William Wilberforce in the fight against the slave trade.

3. The Hymn’s Cultural and Spiritual Impact

Transatlantic Influence:
"Amazing Grace" became more widely sung in America after its initial publication in England.
(01:57–02:09)
Symbol of Hope for the Enslaved:
- The hymn surfaced dramatically in Uncle Tom’s Cabin, sung by the character Tom in the midst of suffering, tying its words forever to hope in the face of deep injustice:
  
  “These words of the element hope in God, even in the face of deep injustice, forever entwined the words of Amazing Grace with the plight of the slaves.”
  (02:35–02:49)
- Less-known verses of the hymn, sung in the novel, focus on eternal hope beyond mortal life.

4. Call to New Year Reflection

Colson encourages listeners to imitate Newton’s gratitude and self-examination:

“This New Year’s Day, we’d all do well to pay tribute to Newton by imitating his gratitude to God and his heart for the lost.”
(02:49–02:58)
Asks listeners to set aside time to remember what God has done in their lives and consider how they can “sing God’s praise with our lips and with our lives” in the coming year.
(02:59–03:13)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Newton’s humility:

“As Newton considered those days gone by, he would have asked, as David did, who am I, O Lord, that you brought me this far?”
(01:22)
On the hymn’s origin:

“Those now famous words of Amazing Grace, first sung in the small parish of Olney on New Year's Day 1773, lingered in obscurity for many years…”
(01:51)
On its lasting impact:

“But it all began in that dark little study in the waning days of a year gone by when one man took the time to reflect on God's goodness to him.”
(02:44)

Timestamps for Important Segments

00:01 – 00:19: John Stonestreet introduces Breakpoint and credits Chuck Colson’s forthcoming commentary.
00:19 – 03:13: Chuck Colson recounts John Newton’s story, the writing of "Amazing Grace," and the significance of reflection and gratitude at the New Year.
03:13 – 03:21: John Stonestreet closes by noting the commentary’s original air date and invites listeners to engage further online.

Takeaways for Listeners

Reflect on your own journey and God’s grace over the past year.
Consider the humble beginnings and deep spiritual impact of classic hymns like “Amazing Grace.”
As a New Year’s resolution, be intentional in expressing gratitude and using both words and actions to "sing God’s praise."

Episode Mood/Tone:
Reverent, reflective, and encouraging—rooted in Christian tradition and urging practical, heartfelt response.

Listen to the episode for the full reflection and more resources at breakpoint.org.

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Transcript3 lines

[00:01]
A
Welcome to Breakpoint, a daily look at an ever changing culture through the lens of unchanging truth. For the Colson Center, I'm John Stonestreet. The hymn Amazing Grace was first sung on New Year's Day, 1773. In this classic Breakpoint commentary, Chuck Colson tells the story.
[00:19]
B
At the end of December 1772, an Anglican priest in the poor parish of Olney worked by candlelight on his New Year's Day sermon. He would preach on the text of 1st Chronicles 17, verses 16 and 17. That passage was David's response to God after Nathan informed him that his descendants would be enthroned forever as kings of Israel. David, the once poor shepherd boy, the man who had repented of adultery and murder, responded to the news by saying, who am I, O Lord God, and what is my family that you have brought me thus far? That pastor was John Newton, and those words struck a deep chord in his heart. In those last days of 1772, Newton found himself running out of empty pages in his journal, a bound book of 300 pages holding 16 years worth of entries. As he came to finish that journal and start another, his mind was drawn to the pages of his past, the story of his life from his days as an unregenerate slave trader to becoming a child of God. Newton would have remembered when his rebellious spirit got him thrown off numerous ships, publicly flogged and ousted from His Majesty's navy. He would have remembered the shipwrecks and the mutinies and then the transformation of his heart by the power of the Gospel. As Newton considered those days gone by, he would have asked, as David did, who am I, O Lord, that you brought me this far? As was his habit, Newton set to work composing a hymn to illustrate his New Year's Day sermon. In that hymn, he would tell his poor congregation of lacemakers and low paid artisans about the dangers and snares he had faced. He would reflect on the Amazing Grace that had saved a wretch like him. Those now famous words of Amazing Grace, first sung in the small parish of Olney on New Year's Day 1773, lingered in obscurity for many years, even as Newton counseled the young William Wilberforce and encouraged him to stay the course in the long battle against the slave trade. The words to Amazing Grace were little sung in England, but the only hymnal later published by Newton caught on in the Americas. The words of Amazing Grace would surface again some 80 years later in a book that would change the course of this nation. Uncle Tom's cabin. In it, the slave Tom, at his lowest point, sings the words of Amazing Grace. Two verses hardly sung today were sung by Tom and when this mortal life shall fail, and flesh and sense shall cease, I shall possess within the veil a life of joy and peace. These words of the element hope in God, even in the face of deep injustice, forever entwined the words of Amazing Grace with the plight of the slaves. But it all began in that dark little study in the waning days of a year gone by when one man took the time to reflect on God's goodness to him. This New Year's Day, we'd all do well to pay tribute to Newton by imitating his gratitude to God and his heart for the lost. We would do well also to set aside some time to reflect on what God has done in our lives, how he has delivered us from slavery to sin. And we would do well to consider how we, in this New Year of 2008, can sing God's praise with our lips and with our lives.
[03:21]
A
That was Chuck Colson with a classic Breakpoint commentary that was originally aired on New Year's Day 2008. For the Colson Center, I'm John Stonestreet. If you're a fan of Breakpoint, please leave us a review wherever you download your podcast. And for a version of this commentary that you can print out, download, or share with others, go to breakpoint.org.