A Flower for New Year’s Day

(Lam.3:22,23)

How many buds are in my garden sleeping,
Under the snow‑wreathed flower beds, cold and bare?
Ah! Well I know my Father’s hand is keeping
A whole bright realm of blossoms for me there!

And when I hear the bells at midnight ringing
To welcome in another New Year’s Day,
I know ’tis not far off, the time of singing,
When flowers shall spring and gardens be gay.

And if assured the opening year is holding
Joys yet unborn within the silent wood,
I am more sure ’twill bring a fresh unfolding
Of many precious promises of God.

Lo! Even now, though summer days prevail not,
A promise‑bud awakes for you and me:
Hath He not said it? My compassions fail not:
New every morning shall they bloom for thee!

Sweet little flower of His own hand’s adorning,
Who promised to be with us all the days!
You hath He sent to bless our New Year’s morning
And fill our whole hereafter with His praise!

Jane M. Campbell