Keep your O! O Dawning Day.

“O Dawning Day, Splendor of Eternal Light, and long awaited Sun of Justice: Come, Lord, O come and enlighten those who are dwelling in darkness and in the shadow of death.” —Magnificat antiphon for December 21

It is fitting that this Antiphon falls on the Winter Solstice. The shortest day of the year. The day that brings the most darkness. Here, in this darkness, we plea from the depths of our being: VENI. Come Dawning Day. Break through the darkness and shine forth. Rid us of the cold, the chill, and let us bask in the warmth of this new day.

In this O Antiphon, Zechariah’s words become our prayer for hope, “The dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet in the way of peace.” (Luke 1:76-79).

Sister Grace Malaney  from the Monastery of Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison, Kansas offers this reflection:

“Unclutter our divided hearts. Help us get through and beyond the distraction and noise of society’s high demands in these weeks of Advent. Free us to focus on your ever-faithful and present loving kindness as we patiently proceed through our days of waiting and hoping. May we learn how to be satisfied with the peace and joy of a heart that yearns for your coming and recognizes that every gift is from your hand.”

For your meditation this day. From the monks of Saint John’s Abbey:

This O Antiphon pleads with creation … Come sun, come longer days, bring us to the Spring Equinox, to the Paschal Feast.