Winter Beauty and the Hope of Renewal

ALMIGHTY GOD! though we ever confess Thy ways unsearchable, and though we often come to the great door that must in this life remain closed against us, yet we give Thee thanks for increasing knowledge of Thy ways, and for increasing reverence of Thy marvellous doings. O Lord! would that we were more open to the wondrous glory of Thy works and ways!

Stir us up to the meaning of this our life, rouse our hearts with some brave deed or story, overcome us with the beauty of all the sights and sounds of nature, so that our souls may be moved to sweetly sing of Thy goodness.

Sing in us, Lord, and we shall sing. Show us that this world is the glorious porch that leads through avenues of light to the light that is behind all other lights, even the Light that lighteth the world! Open our eyes to see the beauty and meaning of Thy wondrous works.

For the glories of this wintry day we thank Thee, and for all the marvellous changes that Thy wonder-working finger can create. And when we meditate upon Thy ways, how at one touch of Thy finger, one wave of Thine angels’ wings, the earth shall rise from her slumber, the sky shall be brightly blue, there shall be tender green leaves and glorious flowers, and trickling waters and brilliant rainbow, rouse in us a passionate longing that when this too solid flesh shall melt, when this prison-house shall be taken down, we too may blossom forth into beauty.

Even in these dark, grey days of winter, spring is getting ready down in the secret places of the earth; the buds are forming, the green garments of the earth are being prepared; and so in this winter-time of our existence, may we have a sure and certain knowledge, that a garment not made with hands is being got ready for us, that Thou wilt take from us this poor worn and sin-stained garment, and give unto us, through the love of Thy dear Son, the garment of the Life Eternal.—AMEN.