The year now hastens to its end,
Bleak is the countryside;
A sad farewell in song I send
The fleeting summertide.

Soon howls the winter’s stormy voice,
Things wither and decay;
Let nature rest, I will rejoice
In God who lives for aye.

The sun is cutting short its trail,
The night prolongs its sway;
God’s mighty arm shall never fail,
His wisdom never stray.

The fading leaves in colors glow
And soon are tossed about;
God’s love for me while here below
I nevermore will doubt.

I know where joy still has a home,
When barren fields are white,
’Tis under Heaven’s starry dome
With angel chorus bright.

I know where I for hope may flee
When nature fadeth here,
On Golgotha, my Savior’s tree
Stands verdant through the year.

With dropping leaves in autumn’s rain,
Let flowers fade and fall;
My faith in Him shall still retain
Its leaves and flowers all.

He pledges me eternal life,
Though winter storms assail;
He broke the tomb and won the strife,
His promise cannot fail.