Moonless darkness stands between

Moonless darkness stands between. 

Past, the Past, no more be seen! 

But the Bethlehem-star may lead me 

To the sight of Him Who freed me 

From the self that I have been. 

Make me pure, Lord: Thou art holy; 

Make me meek, Lord: Thou wert lowly; 

Now beginning, and alway: 

Now begin, on Christmas day.

---Gerard Manley Hopkins