December 17

Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: My flesh also shall dwell in safety. — Ps 16:9

The night is mother of the day,
The winter of the spring;
And ever upon old decay
The greenest mosses cling.
Behind the cloud the starlight lurks,
Through showers the sunbeams fall;
For God, who loveth all his works,
Has left his hope with all.
— John Greenleaf Whittier.

The sun set; but not his hope:
Stars rose; his faith was earlier up.
— Ralph Waldo Emerson.

What I am I have made myself.
— Sir Humphry Davy.

Prayer

My Father, may I never be content to pass by thy beautiful offerings and keep on in wretched despair. Save me if I may 'be inclining toward misery. Give me the spirit of repose, and help me to confide in thee as I daily seek the strength of thy love. Amen.