From December 17th onward, we shift into a higher gear in our Advent preparation for Christmas: it is the time of the "O Antiphons" which are used for the Magnificat at Evening Prayer in the Divine Office – as well as the "Alleluia Verse" of Daily Mass. Each "O" statement makes known a special title of the coming Messiah: Son of God and Son of Mary.
Today's "O" statement is O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice, come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death.
Today is the day before Christmas. The first hint of Light begins to Dawn so near is our Salvation! The one promised for ages will soon come into our dark and cold, cruel world. He will come to be its light, its justice, its hope!
He will come to those who are ready and willing to see him and benefit from his gifts!
The royal king of David's line who will rule forever will be born into the world. But it would be on no earthly throne that he would sit, but rather on the throne of a cross which would lead to a throne at his Father's side in heaven!
In the gospel passage today, Zechariah prophesized about his own son, John, to be the one who would be the last, greatest and true prophet of the Most High – as the dawn breaks upon us, as the Messiah comes to a people dwelling in darkness.
Come, Radiant Dawn, and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death – and guide our feet always in the way of peace!
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