December 21
O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.
This is one of the most interesting titles for the Messiah. The original Latin is “Oriens,” a reference to the East, so this title might also be translated “Rising Sun,” “Morning Star,” or “Dayspring,” as in the hymn O Come, O Come Emmanuel. We see the same word in the Latin translation of Zechariah’s canticle in Luke 1:78-79: “because of the tender mercy of our God by which the daybreak from on high will visit usto shine on those who sit in darkness and death’s shadow, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
While we associate Oriens with light and the rising of the sun or other stars, another meaning can be found in the Old Testament: Branch. The word in Hebrew is tsemach and refers to rising - both of a star and a shoot. It’s used as a Messianic title throughout the Old Testament (Zechariah 3:8, Jeremiah 23:5; 33:15). You can find out more in my Advent study, still available over on my YouTube channel.
The focus of today’s antiphon, however, is not shoots and branches (see December 19 for that) but of light. We should be reminded of that familiar prophecy of Isaiah that we hear every year at Midnight Mass at Christmas:
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom
a light has shone. (Isaiah 9:2)
That great light is Christ himself, who reminds us in his public ministry that he has come to fulfill this prophecy. “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life’” (John 8:12). We no longer need to walk in the darkness of sin, despair, confusion, anxiety, or shame.
The reminder of today’s antiphon is that the light of Christ is bright enough to break through any darkness. Whether it is the darkness brought on by our own stupidity and sinfulness; the darkness of the world that is turning away from God; the darkness of past wounds, abuse, or shame… he is brighter than it all. When Satan wants us to give up hope or seek refuge in the dark, may we flee to the brightness of Christ’s truth and love, which casts out all fear.
“The sun shall be no more
your light by day,
nor for brightness shall the moon
give you light;
but the Lord will be your everlasting light,
and your God will be your glory.” (Is 60:19)
Lord, help me to seek the light of your truth. I no longer want to walk in darkness. Bring your light into every part of my life. Help to turn away from sin, to reject anxiety, to accept your release from shame. May I stop seeking comfort elsewhere, and instead place my heart at your feet, knowing that if I have you, I will need nothing else. And one day, bring me home to you, where:
“Night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever” (Rev 22:5).
Beautiful!