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Christmas Quote by Edgar A. Guest

“This I would like to be- braver and bolder, Just a bit wiser because I am older, Just a bit kinder to those I may meet, Just a bit manlier taking defeat; This for the New Year my wish and my plea- Lord, make a regular man out of me. This I would like to be- just a bit finer, More of a smiler and…” quote by Edgar A. Guest
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““This I would like to be- braver and bolder, Just a bit wiser because I am older, Just a bit kinder to those I may meet, Just a bit manlier taking defeat; This for the New Year my wish and my plea- Lord, make a regular man out of me. This I would like to be- just a bit finer, More of a smiler and less of a whiner, Just a bit quicker to stretch out my hand Helping another who's struggling to stand, This is my prayer for the New Year to be, Lord, make a regular man out of me. This I would like to be- just a bit fairer, Just a bit better, and just a bit squarer, Not quite so ready to censure and blame, Quicker to help every man in the game, Not quite so eager men's failings to see, Lord, make a regular man out of me. This I would like to be- just a bit truer, Less of the wisher and more of the doer, Broader and bigger, more willing to give, Living and helping my neighbor to live! This for the New Year my prayer and my plea- Lord, make a regular man out of me.””

Edgar A. Guest

About This Quote

Source Song: “Make a Regular Man” (hymn/Christmas carol) by Edgar A. Guest, 1940

A prayer for personal growth, seeking modest improvements in bravery, wisdom, kindness, and humility each year.

In simple terms: Ask for better self each year.

Key Takeaway

Strive for small, steady self‑improvement.

Themes

self‑improvement humility gratitude spirituality

Mood

hopeful reflective

Type

inspirational prayer

When to use this quote

  • new year resolutions
  • daily kindness
  • helping others
  • overcoming selfishness
  • building courage

Key Concepts

personal development morality yearly reflection

Questions to Reflect On

  • What small change will you commit to this year?
  • How can you measure growth without harsh self‑judgment?
A Different Perspective

Progress may be slow and setbacks can erode optimism.

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