O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death. ~O Antiphon for December 21
The days are getting shorter and darker each day now. But with the increasing darkness comes the promise of brighter days: “but for you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays” (Mal 3:20). Sun of Justice is one of the names of Jesus. If your family does a Jesse Tree during Advent, you might remember this from the O Antiphons that are recited during Vespers in the Octave before Christmas. This verse from Malachi is read on December 21, which is the winter solstice. On that darkest day of the year, we will remind ourselves that Jesus is the Radiant Dawn, O Oriens, we are longing for. We will rejoice in the promise that the Sun of Justice will come and dispel the darkness around us.
In today’s Psalm we sing, “The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice” (Ps 98: 9). The Psalm speaks of the praise that all of creation gives its maker and ruler. The creatures of the earth, all the people, and even the seas, mountains, and rivers rejoice. The King is coming, and the proper response is praise!
Isaiah prophesied that Christ would come with His radiant light: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Upon those who lived in a land of gloom a light has shone” (Isa 9:1). During these dark days as we approach Advent, remember that we are preparing to celebrate the coming of Christ, the true King of creation. He will come as the Light of the World with warmth, hope, healing, and justice. We will never walk in darkness, but will walk with confidence in the light of life (cf Jn 8:12).
Lord Jesus, I rejoice at your coming! Come into my heart and be my King. Help me to follow Your will in all my thoughts, words, and actions.
“Above the firmament over their heads was the likeness of a throne that looked like sapphire; and upon this likeness of a throne was seated, up above, a figure that looked like a human being.
And I saw something like polished metal, like the appearance of fire enclosed on all sides, from what looked like the waist up; and from what looked like the waist down, I saw something like the appearance of fire and brilliant light surrounding him.
Just like the appearance of the rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day so was the appearance of brilliance that surrounded him. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD.” ~Ezekiel 1:26-28