O Oriens, splendor lucis aeternae, et sol justitiae: veni, et illumina sedentes in tenebris, et umbra mortis.
O Morning Star, splendour of light eternal and sun of righteousness: Come and enlighten those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.
This antiphon is marked on 21st December, the shortest day in the northern hemisphere. It is a day on which we look forward to a change – the darkness will slowly lessen and increased light will be apparent, albeit slowly at first.
Our friend Isaiah had prophesied:
‘The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined.’ (Isaiah 9:2)
and Malachi again:
‘But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings’ (Malachi 4:2)
Suddenly we seem to turn a corner – there is a light at the end of the tunnel and we won’t be left floundering in the dark. The image of ‘Dayspring’ – that idea of light springing out of darkness is a powerful one, echoed in the carol that many will be singing at Christmas, with its lines:
‘Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace: hail the Sun of Righteousness.
Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings.’
(Hark! the herald angels sing, Charles Wesley)
