The cross of Christ is His glory. People seek to gain glory by the sacrifice of others—Christ gained it by sacrificing Himself. People seek crowns of gold—He sought a crown of thorns. People think glory lies in being exalted above others—Christ thought His glory lay in becoming "a worm and not a man,"

a scoff and reproach among those who saw Him. He stooped when He conquered, and He counted the stooping as glorious as the conquest.

Our God has caused the dawn from on high to visit us. Our lives are bright with these visits, just as the sky is bright with stars.

If you tend to feel down or despondent, make sure to channel that feeling into praise for the Lord. You are the person who can sing those "grave, sweet melodies" that are the pearls of song. A touch of melancholy adds depth to joy. The muse often reaches

her highest point when she’s slightly sad. Praise God in your own way. Larks must sing even though they aren’t nightingales, and the sparrow shouldn’t refuse to chirp because it can’t match the song of the linnet.