But winter has yet brighter scenes—he boastsSplendors beyond what gorgeous Summer knows;Or Autumn with his many fruits, and woodsAll flushed with many hues, come when the rainsHave glazed the snow and clothed the trees with ice,The incrusted surface shall upbear thy steps,And the broad arching portals of the groveWelcome thy entering.William Cullen Bryant.
But winter has yet brighter scenes—he boastsSplendors beyond what gorgeous Summer knows;Or Autumn with his many fruits, and woodsAll flushed with many hues, come when the rainsHave glazed the snow and clothed the trees with ice,The incrusted surface shall upbear thy steps,And the broad arching portals of the groveWelcome thy entering.
William Cullen Bryant.
Our Father, we know that Thou wilt commune with us if only we truly seek Thee; Thou art the Infinite Consciousness and Thou dost include within Thyself our finite consciousness. We have our life in Thy life. This morning we would be mindful of Thy presence. The northern groves with snow-laden, bended branches bid us enter and worship. Thou dost send forth the rays of Thy sun and touch them aglow with the reflected beauty of the snow-flake. Thou hast also created us. The flake reflects the sun, and may we reflect Thee, through living righteously. Help us to do the right and to forego the wrong. Amen.
Fred Alban Weil.
December 2
"A commonplace life," we say, and we sigh;But why should we sigh as we say?The commonplace sun in the commonplace skyMakes up the commonplace day.The moon and the stars are commonplace things,And the flower that blooms and the bird that sings,But dark were the world and sad our lotIf the flowers failed and the sun shone not;And God, who studies each separate soulOut of commonplace lives makes His beautiful whole.Susan Coolidge.
"A commonplace life," we say, and we sigh;But why should we sigh as we say?The commonplace sun in the commonplace skyMakes up the commonplace day.The moon and the stars are commonplace things,And the flower that blooms and the bird that sings,But dark were the world and sad our lotIf the flowers failed and the sun shone not;And God, who studies each separate soulOut of commonplace lives makes His beautiful whole.
Susan Coolidge.
Our Infinite Father, we open our hearts to Thee, for where Thou art heaven is. As the morning sun gives light and life to Earth, so Thou givest light and life and joy to us. We say Good-morning to Thee, and as we listen Thy Good-morning comes to us. As it comes we glow and expand like the opening flower. May this glowing spirit of love be in all we say and do and think this day, and still continue through all days to come. When we are vexed and weary with trials and labor, make us to remember this morning glow of Thy Love that it may renew rest and peace within us. Help us, O our Father, to enter the beauty of this day and this life by claiming our heritage as "children of light" and going forth to fulfil the common duties of the day as "children of God." Amen.
Walter Dole.
December 3
No matter! so long as the world is the work of eternal goodness, and so long as conscience has not deceived us. To give happiness and to do good, there is our only law, our anchor of salvation, our beacon light, our reason for existing. All religions may crumble away; so long as this survives we have still an ideal, and life is worth living. Nothing can lessen the dignity and value of humanity so long as the religion of love, of unselfishness and devotion endures; and none can destroy the altars of this faith for us so long as we feel ourselves still capable of love.
No matter! so long as the world is the work of eternal goodness, and so long as conscience has not deceived us. To give happiness and to do good, there is our only law, our anchor of salvation, our beacon light, our reason for existing. All religions may crumble away; so long as this survives we have still an ideal, and life is worth living. Nothing can lessen the dignity and value of humanity so long as the religion of love, of unselfishness and devotion endures; and none can destroy the altars of this faith for us so long as we feel ourselves still capable of love.
Henri-Frédéric Amiel.
Our Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for a night of peaceful rest, and we are glad to begin a new day with full assurance of Thy loving care. We hope for pleasant ways and large success, but Thy wisdom is better than our wishes and if it is appointed us to meet difficulties or temptations, we pray for strength to sustain a manly warfare. We have faith that whatever our condition Thou wilt still provide a way by which lofty purpose and resolute endeavor may use the circumstances of our life for a nearer approach to Thee and for service to our fellowmen. To this end be then the light of our way and the strength of our life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
J. Smith Dodge.
December 4
He was a friend to man, and lived in a house by the side of the road.
He was a friend to man, and lived in a house by the side of the road.
Homer.
There are hermit souls that live withdrawnIn the peace of their self-content;There are souls, like stars, that dwell apart,In a fellow-less firmament;There are pioneer souls that blaze their pathsWhere highways never ran:—But let me live by the side of the roadAnd be a friend to man.Let me live in a house by the side of the road.Where the race of men go by—The men who are good and the men who are bad,As good and as bad as I.I would not sit in the scorner's seat,Or hurl the cynic's ban:—Let me live in a house by the side of the roadAnd be a friend to man.Sam Walter Foss.
There are hermit souls that live withdrawnIn the peace of their self-content;There are souls, like stars, that dwell apart,In a fellow-less firmament;There are pioneer souls that blaze their pathsWhere highways never ran:—But let me live by the side of the roadAnd be a friend to man.Let me live in a house by the side of the road.Where the race of men go by—The men who are good and the men who are bad,As good and as bad as I.I would not sit in the scorner's seat,Or hurl the cynic's ban:—Let me live in a house by the side of the roadAnd be a friend to man.
Sam Walter Foss.
Our Father in Heaven, we come with thanksgiving for the light of another day and all the blessings which it brings from Thee. May the precious moments before us be filled with activity. Forgive us if we have been remiss in seizing our opportunities and so lead us this day that if we shall be called to Thee, the sweet voice of the Master may greet us with, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me." In Jesus' name. Amen.
J. E. Charlton.
December 5
One old lady kept a sighing;Said she wasn't young,Didn't look as sweet's she used to,Times were all unstrung;Troubles doubled aches, and favorsWent a flying past,Wrinkles stung like thorns, and eyesightKept a failing fast.One old lady kept a sayingLife was like the spring,Brighter blossoms always coming,Birds around to sing;Troubles came—and went; she let 'em,Didn't count the throng.Thanked the Lord 'most every morningShe'd been young so long!Jessie M. Shaw.
One old lady kept a sighing;Said she wasn't young,Didn't look as sweet's she used to,Times were all unstrung;Troubles doubled aches, and favorsWent a flying past,Wrinkles stung like thorns, and eyesightKept a failing fast.One old lady kept a sayingLife was like the spring,Brighter blossoms always coming,Birds around to sing;Troubles came—and went; she let 'em,Didn't count the throng.Thanked the Lord 'most every morningShe'd been young so long!
Jessie M. Shaw.
Our Heavenly Father, wilt Thou forgive us for the sighs and tears and frowns and doubts of yesterday? Especially wilt Thou forgive us for all that was little and petty and mean? May we begin again today with larger vision, higher hope and nobler ambition. May there be no sighs for lost beauty, no grief over faded youth and no lamentation over lost fortune. Thankful and glad for what we have, may we find our joy in using it for some high end. So may we conserve the youth of the heart and the light of the soul. Amen.
George L. Perin.
December 6
There is never a sky of winterTo the heart that sings alway;Never a night but hath stars to light,And dreams of a rosy day.The world is ever a gardenRed with the bloom of May;And never a stormy morningTo the heart that sings alway!Frank L. Stanton.
There is never a sky of winterTo the heart that sings alway;Never a night but hath stars to light,And dreams of a rosy day.The world is ever a gardenRed with the bloom of May;And never a stormy morningTo the heart that sings alway!
Frank L. Stanton.
O Thou who art the Love, the Light, and the Life in whom is no discord, no darkness, no disease nor death; but who art ever radiating sympathy, vision and health; we give Thee hearty thanks for the consciousness of Thy abiding presence when we possess a humble and contrite spirit. May we ever remember that nothing but our own selfishness, pride, and forgetfulness can break this constant communion with Thee. Open our hearts just now for the inflow of the divine Love in order that we may pass it on to others today. Open our eyes today that we may see Thee everywhere striving against selfishness in the lives of all men. Fill us with Thy Life today in order that there may go out to others a heavenly harmony, a song, a symphony, that will dispel discord, darkness and disease; that will overcome evil with good. Amen.
E. J. Helms.
December 7
As the bird trims her to the gale,I trim myself to the storm of time,I man the rudder, reef the sail,Obey the voice at eve obeyed at prime;"Lowly faithful, banish fear,Right onward drive unharmed;The port, well worth the cruise, is near,And every wave is charmed."Ralph Waldo Emerson.
As the bird trims her to the gale,I trim myself to the storm of time,I man the rudder, reef the sail,Obey the voice at eve obeyed at prime;"Lowly faithful, banish fear,Right onward drive unharmed;The port, well worth the cruise, is near,And every wave is charmed."
Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Heavenly Father, keep our faces in the light and upward. Make us courageous in the storm. Help us to consecrate all our powers against the contrary winds and listen for the loving voice of Him who walks the rough waves and comes toward our frail barks. May we never be afraid; may we know peace and rest and trust. O Saviour, help us to know the reality of Thy love and friendship, and hear Thee say in the darkest hour, "All is well." May no storm be too severe, no burden too heavy, no task too hard. So let us believe and live. Amen.
Cortland Myers.
December 8
Love thyself last: cherish those hearts that hate thee,Corruption wins not more than honesty.Still in thy right hand carry gentle peace,To silence envious tongues. Be just, and fear not:Let all the ends thou aim'st at be thy country's,Thy God's, and truth's; then if thou fall'st, O Cromwell,Thou fall'st a blessed martyr!Shakespeare.
Love thyself last: cherish those hearts that hate thee,Corruption wins not more than honesty.Still in thy right hand carry gentle peace,To silence envious tongues. Be just, and fear not:Let all the ends thou aim'st at be thy country's,Thy God's, and truth's; then if thou fall'st, O Cromwell,Thou fall'st a blessed martyr!
Shakespeare.
Father Almighty, we do trust in Thee, and we ask Thee for everything. Thou art pleased to give us everything. Thou dost give us the light by which we see. Thou dost give us this air which we breathe and with which we speak. Best of all, Thou hast shown us that we are one family of Thy children, alive in Thy life and strong in Thy strength. Thou dost give us the water that we drink and the food that we eat. Everything is Thine while it is ours. Now, Father, we are here to consecrate these gifts to Thy service, to come and go indeed as Thy children; when we speak, to speak the word that Thou shalt teach; when we act, to do the thing that Thou wouldst. Moreover, inspire us with Thine holy spirit, that we may so come and go in our Father's service, and for the coming of Thy kingdom in this world, that all men may be one, and may bear one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. Amen.
Edward Everett Hale.
December 9
Each soul, alone unto herself, must bearThe heartache out of which man wins despairOr hope according to his faculty.Nathless one thing is certain; who hath knownTruth, beauty, goodness, shining in their sphere,Shall not be lost through any lesser lure.On black tempestuous waves he may be thrown;Yet to the right port shall he surely steer,And God Himself shall make his doing pure.John Addington Symonds.
Each soul, alone unto herself, must bearThe heartache out of which man wins despairOr hope according to his faculty.Nathless one thing is certain; who hath knownTruth, beauty, goodness, shining in their sphere,Shall not be lost through any lesser lure.On black tempestuous waves he may be thrown;Yet to the right port shall he surely steer,And God Himself shall make his doing pure.
John Addington Symonds.
O God, with the dawn we would lift our grateful hearts to Thee! We know not what Thou hast in store for us this new day, but we rejoice that we are in Thy thought, and that we cannot pass beyond the reach of Thy love. Helpless and weak, we pray for courage to be undaunted by the uncertainties of life, and that we may meet all its duties with a firm and tranquil mind. Grant that we may be helpful to all with whom we come in contact and forbid that we should judge others hastily or uncharitably. May our minds and hearts be open to the truth, that we may know and do Thy gracious will. Guided and guarded by Thee, may the day be full of peace, purity and power. Amen.
George M. Howe.
December 10
There was never a song that was sung by thee,But a sweeter one was meant to be.There was never a deed that was grandly done,But a greater was meant by some earnest one.For the sweetest voice can never impartThe song that trembles within the heart.And the brain and the hand can never quite doThe thing that the soul has fondly in view.And hence are the tears and the burdens of pain,For the shining goals are never to gainBut enough that a God can hear and seeThe song and the deed that were meant to be.Benjamin R. Bulkeley.
There was never a song that was sung by thee,But a sweeter one was meant to be.There was never a deed that was grandly done,But a greater was meant by some earnest one.For the sweetest voice can never impartThe song that trembles within the heart.And the brain and the hand can never quite doThe thing that the soul has fondly in view.And hence are the tears and the burdens of pain,For the shining goals are never to gainBut enough that a God can hear and seeThe song and the deed that were meant to be.
Benjamin R. Bulkeley.
Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, who hast illumined the morning with the brightness of Thy life, we rejoice in the potency of the influence that brings us into communion with Thee. For the blessed revelation of Thyself, for life and all things that nourish it, for the earth and the fulness thereof, for daily comforts and mercies and for the Light that lighteth every man who cometh into the world, we give Thee thanks. We thank Thee too for the songs that we have sung and for the better songs that are in our hearts. We thank Thee for every noble deed and also for the dreams of nobler deeds that men have cherished. O Lord, bless our work and fill us with aspiration for nobler service. Bless the poor, the sick, and those that mourn. Hear this our prayer and answer our petition through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Frank D. Sargent.
December 11
Love the spot where you are, and the friends God has given you and be sure to expect everything good of them.
Love the spot where you are, and the friends God has given you and be sure to expect everything good of them.
John Albee.
When do we lift each other up? Must we gain a height first or can we reach up our feebleness together to the Hands that do offer us a mighty help from on high? Near doing, and near living, and near loving; these life-particles make the great heaven, as the little polarized atoms of light, all magnetized one way, make the great blue in which the stars burn forever.
When do we lift each other up? Must we gain a height first or can we reach up our feebleness together to the Hands that do offer us a mighty help from on high? Near doing, and near living, and near loving; these life-particles make the great heaven, as the little polarized atoms of light, all magnetized one way, make the great blue in which the stars burn forever.
Mrs. A. D. T. Whitney.
No discontent could harass us if we had a deeper faith in Thee and a broader love for those about us. We praise Thee, therefore, that we may be rooted and grounded in Christ. And that our little lives may glorify Him by bringing forth abundant fruit. Thou dost give us the holy privilege of being co-laborers with Thee in the salvation of needy humanity. Around us are the countless opportunities for ennobling and gladdening the lives of those whose courage burns low, or who have never known the transforming companionship of Christ. We would not forget that we are debtors to Thee and to that great Host whose love and service has inspired us. May we be not selfish takers only, but generous givers. May there be less gloom, fewer shackles, less guilt in the world because we are mastered by the spirit of Christ. Amen.
Philip L. Frick.
December 12
Have you learned lessons only of those who admired you, and were tender with you, and stood aside for you?Have you not learned great lessons from those who reject you, and brace themselves against you? or who treat you with contempt, or dispute the passage with you?
Have you learned lessons only of those who admired you, and were tender with you, and stood aside for you?
Have you not learned great lessons from those who reject you, and brace themselves against you? or who treat you with contempt, or dispute the passage with you?
Walt Whitman.
Help us, O God, always to be hopeful; teach us what it means to hope in Thee, and may we experience the truth of the promise which says: "He will strengthen your heart that hopes in Him;" but help us not to indulge in too fond hopes nor to be too easily elated by future dreams. May we see life clearly as it is and be ready to accept courageously whatsoever Thou sendest us. Help us to accept all our joys as Thy blessings; all our duties as Thy commands, and our sorrows as of Thine appointment, and help us to believe that Thou wilt turn even that which seems to harm us, into everlasting good and everlasting joy. Amen.
John F. Meyer.
December 13
Life should be a giving birth to the soul, the development of a higher mode of reality. The animal must be humanized: flesh must be made spirit; physiological activity must be transmuted into intellect and conscience, into reason, justice, and generosity, as the torch is transmuted into light and warmth. The blind, greedy, selfish nature of man must put on beauty and nobleness. This heavenly alchemy is what justifies our presence on the earth; it is our mission and our glory.
Life should be a giving birth to the soul, the development of a higher mode of reality. The animal must be humanized: flesh must be made spirit; physiological activity must be transmuted into intellect and conscience, into reason, justice, and generosity, as the torch is transmuted into light and warmth. The blind, greedy, selfish nature of man must put on beauty and nobleness. This heavenly alchemy is what justifies our presence on the earth; it is our mission and our glory.
Henri-Frédéric Amiel.
Our Father, this world is Thy world, and this day is Thy renewed gift of opportunity to learn life's lesson more perfectly. We need clearer insight into Thy designs, that we may loathe every form of selfishness, and love devotion. Give us to know the Christ more intimately, and in the strength of His apprehended presence help us to employ this day in practising the holy principles He taught. Assist us this morning to have, and throughout this day to keep, such an attitude of glad co-operation with Him, that work shall be shot through and through with joy in anticipation of its glorious result. So may this day be to us a time of real soul expansion; a wooing and a winning of that which is highest, even a purer, noble character. Amen.
J. Edwin Lacount.
December 14
'Tis the mind that makes the body rich,And as the sun breaks through the darkest clouds,So honor peereth in the meanest habit.What, is the jay more precious than the lark,Because his feathers are more beautiful?Or is the adder better than the eel,Because his painted skin contents the eye?Shakespeare.
'Tis the mind that makes the body rich,And as the sun breaks through the darkest clouds,So honor peereth in the meanest habit.What, is the jay more precious than the lark,Because his feathers are more beautiful?Or is the adder better than the eel,Because his painted skin contents the eye?
Shakespeare.
In this world of mingled good and evil, amid the ceaseless struggle of the better with the worse, grant unto us our Father, the cheerful assurance that we are enlisted in the service of the good, bound for the better, and destined for the best. Reveal to us each day some task that we can do for Thee, some chance to bear with Christ the burden of another, some call to take the side of the right against the wrong. Help us to conquer hardship by patience, despair by hope, fear by courage, and hate by love; and may we find the peace, the power, the glory of Thy perfect will and Thy great kingdom reflected and reproduced in our hearts and lives. Amen.
William DeWitt Hyde.
December 15
Call him not old, whose visionary brainHolds o'er the past its undivided reign,For him in vain the envious seasons rollWho bears eternal summer in his soul.If yet the minstrel's song, the poet's lay,Spring with her birds, or children at their play,Or maiden's smile, or heavenly dream of art,Stir the few life-drops creeping round his heart,Turn to the record where his years are told,—Count his gray hairs,—they cannot make him old!Oliver Wendell Holmes.
Call him not old, whose visionary brainHolds o'er the past its undivided reign,For him in vain the envious seasons rollWho bears eternal summer in his soul.If yet the minstrel's song, the poet's lay,Spring with her birds, or children at their play,Or maiden's smile, or heavenly dream of art,Stir the few life-drops creeping round his heart,Turn to the record where his years are told,—Count his gray hairs,—they cannot make him old!
Oliver Wendell Holmes.
Thou infinite Spirit of Life, in Thy sight, there is no old age. The step may grow feeble, the hair may whiten, the eye may grow dim, but each human soul is still Thy child. We gather about the tables of earth, families of children, some older, some younger, but all young in Thy sight. We pause for a moment this morning to pray for the spirit of youth. Let us cherish the power of hoping and of believing. Let us have that fine quality of the child life which keeps it facing the future with glad expectancy. Let us not give over our toils till we must. Let us not relinquish our interest in life till the evening shadows fall, and even at the last, let us lie down like the child who sleeps with his hand in the hand of his mother. Amen.
George L. Perin.
December 16
O toiling bands of mortals! O unwearied feet, travelling we know not whither! Soon, soon, it seems to you, you must come forth on some conspicuous hilltop, and but a little way further, against the setting sun, descry the spires of El Dorado. Little do ye know your own blessedness; for to travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive, and the true success is to labor.
O toiling bands of mortals! O unwearied feet, travelling we know not whither! Soon, soon, it seems to you, you must come forth on some conspicuous hilltop, and but a little way further, against the setting sun, descry the spires of El Dorado. Little do ye know your own blessedness; for to travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive, and the true success is to labor.
Robert Louis Stevenson.
Our Father, we thank Thee for the work that Thou givest us to do; for its joy, for its zest, even for its very task and weariness. We would interpret our labor by the highest good it brings us; through our brave and cheerful doing Thy heaven of peace is found. We thank Thee for our diviner hopes, and for the Spirit that would complete them. They light our days with gladness, and set our feet in large places, and though the higher hill-tops seem far away, yet meeting our duties faithfully, we do see them, and looking back we find the places of our departure lying far below. O blessed tasks! O blessed hopes! That lead us ever to our Father's love. Amen.
Albert J. Coleman.
December 17
God speaks to hearts of men in many ways:Some the red banner of the rising sun,Spread o'er the snow-clad hills, has taught his praise.Some the sweet silence when the day is done;Some, after loveless lives, at length have wonHis word in children's hearts and children's gaze;And some have found him where low rafters ringTo greet the hand that helps, the heart that cheers;And some in prayer, and some in perfectingOf watchful toil through unrewarding years;And some not less are his, who vainly soughtHis voice, and with his silence have been taught,—Who bore his chains who bade them to be bound,And at the end in finding not have found.Anonymous.
God speaks to hearts of men in many ways:Some the red banner of the rising sun,Spread o'er the snow-clad hills, has taught his praise.Some the sweet silence when the day is done;Some, after loveless lives, at length have wonHis word in children's hearts and children's gaze;And some have found him where low rafters ringTo greet the hand that helps, the heart that cheers;And some in prayer, and some in perfectingOf watchful toil through unrewarding years;And some not less are his, who vainly soughtHis voice, and with his silence have been taught,—Who bore his chains who bade them to be bound,And at the end in finding not have found.
Anonymous.
O God, all voices of the earth are Thine, even when there is no speech or language, Thy messages have many ways to reach the listening heart. Give us this day to hear at least some whisper of Thy grace. If it may be, open our minds and attune our spirits to receive more than we could hitherto interpret of the assurances sent to us by elevated goodness and love. So let us be defended this day against wrong, and do our work in joy and peace through the knowledge that Thou art with us, our friend and helper even unto the end. Amen.
Howard N. Brown.
December 18
Did you ever see a schoolboy tumble on the ice without stooping immediately to re-buckle the strap of his skates? And would not Ignotus have painted a masterpiece if he could have found good brushes and a proper canvas? Life's shortcomings would be bitter indeed if we could not find excuses for them outside of ourselves. And as for life's successes—well, it is certainly wholesome to remember how many of them are due to a fortunate position and the proper tools.
Did you ever see a schoolboy tumble on the ice without stooping immediately to re-buckle the strap of his skates? And would not Ignotus have painted a masterpiece if he could have found good brushes and a proper canvas? Life's shortcomings would be bitter indeed if we could not find excuses for them outside of ourselves. And as for life's successes—well, it is certainly wholesome to remember how many of them are due to a fortunate position and the proper tools.
Henry Van Dyke.
Our Father, God, help us to begin this new day with the right spirit in our hearts,—the spirit of love toward Thee and our fellowmen. Help us to begin the day if possible without mistake. If, in our human weakness we find that we have not succeeded, that we have erred or gone astray, help us not to despair, not to be discouraged; help us to know and to seek and to love the right. Help us never to forget what we owe to Thee, to our friends, and the beautiful world Thou hast given us. Daily bread we have, opportunities open, like books on every hand. Greater than all life's bitter is its sweet. Ever ready is the Master to bless; ever ready is the spirit to comfort Thy children look up and praise the Father eternal. Amen.
Ransom A. Greene.
December 19
I love Thee, O Son of Man! for Thy strength and Thy sweetness, for Thy simplicity, Thy courage, Thine infinite tenderness, for Thy glance which strengthens and pardons us, quickens us and lifts us up; for all that Thou hast brought us of consolation, of peace and of warmth of heart. Abide Thou with us! Teach us to see the divine spark imprisoned in every stone of the highway.
I love Thee, O Son of Man! for Thy strength and Thy sweetness, for Thy simplicity, Thy courage, Thine infinite tenderness, for Thy glance which strengthens and pardons us, quickens us and lifts us up; for all that Thou hast brought us of consolation, of peace and of warmth of heart. Abide Thou with us! Teach us to see the divine spark imprisoned in every stone of the highway.
Charles Wagner.
O Lord, our Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for all Thy manifold mercies to us, for all Thy constant care and watchfulness over us from the beginning of our lives to this day, for the revelations of Thy presence in the world about us, in the shining sky, in the earth beneath our feet, and in the faces of our friends. Bless us, O Lord, this day, with health and strength and a good courage, and grant that we may show our gratitude for all Thy goodness not only with our lips but in our lives, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
George Hodges.
December 20
In every "Oh my Father!"Slumbers deep a "Here, my child."Tholuck.
In every "Oh my Father!"Slumbers deep a "Here, my child."
Tholuck.
This world, with its wonderful creations, its beauties, and mysteries may lead a child up to the father's throne, if his heart and mind are open to it. Fill the heart with goodness and there is no place for badness. Fill the soul with heaven, and there is no hell. And this delightful time will come when "God is all and in all."
This world, with its wonderful creations, its beauties, and mysteries may lead a child up to the father's throne, if his heart and mind are open to it. Fill the heart with goodness and there is no place for badness. Fill the soul with heaven, and there is no hell. And this delightful time will come when "God is all and in all."
Abbie E. Danforth.
Our Father, who art in heaven; we know that Thou hast been good to us. We thank Thee for the daily witnesses of Thy love. And we would walk worthily before Thee. But we are weak. Help us, O Father to see clearly what Thou would'st have us do! Give us strength. Fill us with Thy spirit, that all the way we may be pure and patient. Help us to walk aright. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Charles H. Puffer.
December 21
Grand is the seen, the light, to me—grand are the sky and stars,Grand is the earth, and grand are lasting time and space,And grand their laws, so multiform, puzzling, evolutionary;But grander far the unseen soul of me, comprehending, endowing all those,Lighting the light, the sky and stars, delving the earth, sailing the sea,(What were all those, indeed, without thee, unseen soul? of what amount without Thee?)More evolutionary, vast, puzzling, O my soul!More multiform far—more lasting Thou than they.Walt Whitman.
Grand is the seen, the light, to me—grand are the sky and stars,Grand is the earth, and grand are lasting time and space,And grand their laws, so multiform, puzzling, evolutionary;But grander far the unseen soul of me, comprehending, endowing all those,Lighting the light, the sky and stars, delving the earth, sailing the sea,(What were all those, indeed, without thee, unseen soul? of what amount without Thee?)More evolutionary, vast, puzzling, O my soul!More multiform far—more lasting Thou than they.
Walt Whitman.
O Thou, our Heavenly Father, in spirit we reach out to Thy great spirit. Quicken within us visions of what things we may do this day, with Thee at hand, Thy love abounding. Give us vision that we may rise to the opportunities of our daily task. Let Thy holy spirit bear witness to the reality of our dreams and aspirations, that we may look not idly upon our opportunities, but rather that each new opportunity shall challenge us to nobler effort. O keep us this day full of faith in ourselves and Thee, each obedient to our vision, until full purposed, winning Thine approval, we shall accomplish the thing for which Thou sendest us, and Thine be the glory. Amen.
James D. Tillinghast.
December 22
I see the wrong that round me lies,I feel the guilt within,With groan and travail criesI hear the world confess its sin.Within the maddening maze of things,And tossed by storm and flood,To one fixed stake my spirit clings:I know that God is good.I know not where his islands liftTheir fronded palms in air;I only know I cannot driftBeyond His love and care.John Greenleaf Whittier.
I see the wrong that round me lies,I feel the guilt within,With groan and travail criesI hear the world confess its sin.Within the maddening maze of things,And tossed by storm and flood,To one fixed stake my spirit clings:I know that God is good.I know not where his islands liftTheir fronded palms in air;I only know I cannot driftBeyond His love and care.
John Greenleaf Whittier.
O Thou, without whose care a sparrow does not fall, who through the pathless sky dost guide the bird seeking its distant nest, Thy trusting children are safe in Thy dear love. We know not the way before us, but Thou dost know; our feet may stumble in rough paths, but Thou wilt hold us up. Glad in this confidence, may we begin the day with song and finish it, whatever may befall us, in the calm assurance that all things work for good. Give us patience in perplexity, hope amid our fears, and faith to trust Thy holy will as best. Thus walking in Thy love may we reach home at last to see our Saviour's face. Amen.
Stephen A. Norton.
December 23
Wouldst make thy life go fair and square?Thou must not for the past feel care;Whatever thy loss, thou must not mourn;Must ever act as if new-born.What each day wants of thee, that ask;What each day tells thee, that make thy task;With pride thine own performance viewing,With heart to admire another's doing;Above all, hate no human being,And all the future leave to the All-Seeing.Goethe.
Wouldst make thy life go fair and square?Thou must not for the past feel care;Whatever thy loss, thou must not mourn;Must ever act as if new-born.What each day wants of thee, that ask;What each day tells thee, that make thy task;With pride thine own performance viewing,With heart to admire another's doing;Above all, hate no human being,And all the future leave to the All-Seeing.
Goethe.
Dear Father, grateful for another new-born day, myself new-born, I greet Thee! Yesterday and all other yesterdays are in Thy keeping.This day is mine!For the failures of the past I care not, nor do I mourn the losses of the days gone by.Today I am new-born!Indeed, aspiring to Thy comprehensive wisdom, I may see my past and my present as one, and out of that past I may select—even from failures and losses—such experiences and lessons as will help me live the present—at least this one day which is mine!—more nobly, more fully, more usefully, more beautifully. May I, knowing myself to be Thy Child, respect myself as a creative spirit able to look upon its own work and to say: "Behold, it is good!" And above all, I pray: that, to-day and always, I may grow in grace and loving-kindness,—hating no one, but feeling, thinking, speaking, acting with good will towards all Thy creatures!This day is mine!The future I leave to Thee, All-Seeing Father! but feel myself Thy open-eyed and confident child. Amen.
Charles Fleischer.
December 24
'Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam,Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home;A charm from the skies seems to hallow us there,Which sought through the world is ne'er met with elsewhere.An exile from home splendor dazzles in vain,Oh give me my lowly thatched cottage again;The birds singing gaily, that came at my call,Give me them, and that peace of mind dearer than all.J. Howard Payne.
'Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam,Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home;A charm from the skies seems to hallow us there,Which sought through the world is ne'er met with elsewhere.An exile from home splendor dazzles in vain,Oh give me my lowly thatched cottage again;The birds singing gaily, that came at my call,Give me them, and that peace of mind dearer than all.
J. Howard Payne.
O God, our Heavenly Father, we thank thee for the blessings of home; for the shelter, safety, and hallowed associations of our domestic habitation; for the sympathy and helpfulness of family relationship. Help us we pray thee to make ours an ideal household, bright with cheerfulness, an exemplification of Christian faith and hope. May the happiness of all be the object of each. To that end help us to be patient toward one another, kind and forgiving. May we realize by many beatific experiences that it is better to give than to receive, better to serve than to be served. May we be disposed, as occasion may arise, to share, for a season, the comfort and inspiration of our home with those who are homeless. We thank Thee for the bright assurance that beyond the fading scenes and transitory experiences of this life, there is, awaiting us, an eternal abiding place in "a continuing city" whose maker and builder is God, where there shall be no more parting, and where the shadows of our present life shall forever flee away. Amen.
Charles Conklin.
December 25
That ever-vivid scene of Bethlehem.... A father, a mother, and a child are there. No religion which began like that could ever lose its character. The first unit of human life, the soul, is there, in the new-born personality of the childhood. But the second unit of human life, the family, is just as truly there in the familiar relation of husband and wife and the sacred, eternal mystery of motherhood.
That ever-vivid scene of Bethlehem.... A father, a mother, and a child are there. No religion which began like that could ever lose its character. The first unit of human life, the soul, is there, in the new-born personality of the childhood. But the second unit of human life, the family, is just as truly there in the familiar relation of husband and wife and the sacred, eternal mystery of motherhood.
Phillips Brooks.
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth Peace." We take up the angel symphony and give it new breath, this gladsome day of days. Thou who didst send Thy Son in the likeness of a little child, that by His life of increase in love and beauty and wisdom and power He might give us courage to begin as children the obedience that alone leads at last to the measure of the stature of His fulness, accept our unutterable gratitude for all that gift. And oh, may He be born in us and formed in us, the hope of glory, that so we may share His peace, His victory, His exaltation, His union with Thee. Amen.
C. Ellwood Nash.
December 26
Two are the pathways by which mankind can to virtue mount upward;If thou shouldst find the one barr'd, open the other will lie.'Tis by exertion the Happy obtain her, the Suffering by patience,Blest is the man whose kind fate guides him along upon both!Schiller.
Two are the pathways by which mankind can to virtue mount upward;If thou shouldst find the one barr'd, open the other will lie.'Tis by exertion the Happy obtain her, the Suffering by patience,Blest is the man whose kind fate guides him along upon both!
Schiller.
O Thou who hast kept us safely during the unconsciousness of our slumbering hours, and brought us refreshed to this morning light, prepare us for the duties of this day by filling us with the assurance that we are Thine, and that Thou lovest us. Help us to be more like Thee, to love Thee more and serve Thee better. May we manifest our love to Thee by our willingness to be of service to our fellowmen. Make us warm-hearted and true, helpful and kind, reflecting Thy love and doing Thy will. We are glad to live in this beautiful world. And we pray that we may be faithful co-laborers with Jesus Christ, in being light, love and joy to all lives. Amen.
Charles R. Tenney.
December 27
Stronger, and more frequently, comes the temptation to stop singing, and let discord do its own wild work. But blessed are they that endure to the end,—singing patiently and sweetly, till all join in with loving acquiescence, and universal harmony prevails, without forcing into submission the free discord of a single voice.This is the hardest and the bravest task which a true soul has to perform amid the clashing elements of time. But once has it been done perfectly unto the end; and that voice—so clear in its meekness—is heard above all the din of a tumultuous world: one after another chimes in with its patient sweetness; and, through infinite discords, the listening soul can perceive that the great tune is slowly coming into harmony.
Stronger, and more frequently, comes the temptation to stop singing, and let discord do its own wild work. But blessed are they that endure to the end,—singing patiently and sweetly, till all join in with loving acquiescence, and universal harmony prevails, without forcing into submission the free discord of a single voice.
This is the hardest and the bravest task which a true soul has to perform amid the clashing elements of time. But once has it been done perfectly unto the end; and that voice—so clear in its meekness—is heard above all the din of a tumultuous world: one after another chimes in with its patient sweetness; and, through infinite discords, the listening soul can perceive that the great tune is slowly coming into harmony.
Lydia Maria Child.
Our Father, who art in heaven! We thank Thee that we are permitted to see the light, engage in the duties and enter into the experiences of this new day. We thank Thee for the order and harmony of this wonderful universe; that every force and law and being supports and balances every other force, law and being; that every life contributes to or may contribute to the welfare of every other life, and we pray, that each one of us may come into such relations with Thee, the great harmonizing soul of things, as to add our little note to the full anthem of perpetual and adorable praise. In Christ's dear name, we ask and offer all. Amen.
A. J. Patterson.
December 28
It is said that a friend once asked the great composer, Haydn, why his church music was always so full of gladness. He answered, "I cannot make it otherwise; I write according to the thoughts I feel; when I think upon my God, my heart is so full of joy that the notes dance and leap from my pen; and since God has given me a cheerful heart, it will be pardoned me that I serve Him with a cheerful spirit."Pardoned? Nay, it will be praised and rewarded. For God looks with approval and man turns with gratitude to everyone who shows by a cheerful life that religion is a blessing for this world and the next.
It is said that a friend once asked the great composer, Haydn, why his church music was always so full of gladness. He answered, "I cannot make it otherwise; I write according to the thoughts I feel; when I think upon my God, my heart is so full of joy that the notes dance and leap from my pen; and since God has given me a cheerful heart, it will be pardoned me that I serve Him with a cheerful spirit."
Pardoned? Nay, it will be praised and rewarded. For God looks with approval and man turns with gratitude to everyone who shows by a cheerful life that religion is a blessing for this world and the next.
Henry Van Dyke.
Our Father in Heaven, we awake this morning with a sense of thankfulness for the beauty and glory of Thy creation. We praise Thee that as Thy children we can be conscious of the kingdom of heaven always about us. So we pray for that attitude of mind and spirit of soul that will unlock for us the divine life. Help us to be conscious of Thee in all the varied experiences of this day. If it shall be a day of burdens, give us strength to play our part uncomplainingly, if a day of joy to accept it with true gratitude; and when the shades of night shall call us to our rest, may our memory of the day bring us peace. Amen.
Edward C. Downey.
December 29
Ah, don't be sorrowful, darling,And don't be sorrowful, pray;Taking the year together, my dear,There isn't more night than day.'Tis rainy weather, my darling;Time's waves they heavily run;But taking the year together, my dear,There isn't more cloud than sun.Alice Cary.
Ah, don't be sorrowful, darling,And don't be sorrowful, pray;Taking the year together, my dear,There isn't more night than day.'Tis rainy weather, my darling;Time's waves they heavily run;But taking the year together, my dear,There isn't more cloud than sun.
Alice Cary.
We thank Thee, heavenly Father, for the days just as they come. Nor would we measure the sunshine against the storm as if to test Thy goodness by some petty form of bookkeeping. Thou presidest over all our days, and whatever may be the face of nature we trust Thy love. Let us go forth today, not in critical mood nor despondent mood but in the mood of high Christian faith, anxious, not to test Thy providence, but ready to do our own part, taking care to hold our cup of blessing open-side up; so shall it catch the manna when it falls. Then shall each passing day be full of blessing. Amen.
George L. Perin.
December 30
Fades the rose; the year grows old;The tale is told;Youth doth depart—Only stays the heart.Ah, no! if stays the heart,Youth can ne'er depart,Nor the sweet tale be told—Never the rose fade, nor the year grow old.Richard Watson Gilder.
Fades the rose; the year grows old;The tale is told;Youth doth depart—Only stays the heart.Ah, no! if stays the heart,Youth can ne'er depart,Nor the sweet tale be told—Never the rose fade, nor the year grow old.
Richard Watson Gilder.
Dear Father, we thank Thee for the year now coming to its close, and for all that has blessed us in it. Help us to keep the good wherewith it has done us good in lasting memory. By the flight of time which its passing emphasizes move us to earnestness in the labors committed to our hands. Beyond this help us that we may be undisturbed, remembering that Thou art our dwelling place, and that we are the children of Thy love and the sharers of Thy everlastingness. So may we keep the vision of youth, the vision to which endings are but beginnings, the good leading to the better, and the best forever more. May Thy blessing be upon all whom we love and should pray for in this and every day, in Jesus' name. Amen.
Charles R. Tenney.
December 31
Be not afraid, dear friend. What of sickness! What of sorrow! What of failure! What of misfortune! What of death! Is not this God's world? Are not you God's child? Go forth into the New Year with brave heart. When fortune smiles, smile with her. When fortune frowns, smile the more, and trust in God.
Be not afraid, dear friend. What of sickness! What of sorrow! What of failure! What of misfortune! What of death! Is not this God's world? Are not you God's child? Go forth into the New Year with brave heart. When fortune smiles, smile with her. When fortune frowns, smile the more, and trust in God.
George L. Perin.
Our Heavenly Father, we stand upon the utmost verge of the old year. Forgetting the things that are behind, we stand with our faces looking earnestly into the future. We do not despise the past, we do not forget its manifold blessings. We do not forget that Thou hast been with us in the old year; for all this we would be grateful. With clear vision and earnestness of purpose, we would stand looking into the future expectantly, ready for its duties and its responsibilities; yet not ostentatiously nor with over-confidence, for we know our own infirmities, our own weaknesses. We would enter upon the New Year with confidence, not because of our own strength, but because of Thy living presence. Thou art always with us, Thou art pouring out Thy spirit upon us. O Lord, let us believe in Thee, and believing, let us have a heart for any fate. Amen.
George L. Perin.
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