Some hymns are particularly appropriate to be sung at special times.
Great Is Thy Faithfulness sounds great at any time of year, but to sing it on the first Sunday (and the first day) of a new year adds further texture to the sentiments expressed in the lyrics. (We sang it tonight at mgpc)
Those who might think this is an ‘old’ hymn should remember that this modern classic (Lyrics: Thomas Obediah Chisholm & Music: William Marion Runyan) is a twentieth century product.
Because it’s considered an ‘old’ hymn it seems a popular choice for contemporary musicians to use at combined Christian gatherings. Sadly, because it’s a ‘hymn’ they tend to play it far too slow for my tastes.
1.
“Great is Thy faithfulness,” O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
Refrain.
“Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!”
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided —
“Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!
2.
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Refrain.
3.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Refrain.
© 1923. Ren. 1951 Hope Publishing Co., Carol Stream, IL 60188
Here are Selah providing their (slowish) rendition.
mgpcpastor's blog 
Greetings from Wordwise Hymns. I posted an article on this wonderful hymn yesterday, so your blog caught my eye. (Yes, a great hymn for the New Year.) And I agree about Selah’s pacing of the song–too slow! Also, this kind of breathy, sensual singing of hymns makes my skin crawl. (Only a slight exaggeration.)
More often, my complaint is that some groups race through hymns as though they can hardly wait to get done. But this is the opposite extreme. “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” needs to be sung with strength and confidence, with holy boldness and joy, neither recklessly raced, nor lazily lagging. God bless.