O Antiphon – O Dayspring come shine on us

Artwork by Sister Rosemary Borntrager, SP, 2002.

Dawn – even though it rouses us from sleep and marks the beginning of a new day with all its challenges and blessings – brings light and the possibilities that a new day holds.

The Sun of Justice shines upon Mary and Joseph, angels, rulers, shepherds and on ourselves as we rejoice and marvel at God’s gift.

Our culture attempts to make buying and selling the center of celebration, dimming the true Light. Our challenge is to recognize and respond to Christmas gifts and lights as reminders of the deeper reality of salvation. As did Israel, many sit in the darkness of poverty, disease, war, injustice and the shadow of death.

Even with that reality around us, Jesus says that we are to be light to the world, and to let that light shine. For this we must seek the Rising Dawn, the Sun of Justice, to do what he came to do: grace us with the power of his Spirit. Where does your light shine?

O Rising Dawn, Radiance of the Light Eternal and Sun of Justice, come and enable us to lighten the burdens of those who suffer injustices and have little or nothing to celebrate this Christmas.

To get your own expanded copy of the Sisters of Providence O Antiphons booklet, visit Linden Leaf Gifts here.

About these O Antiphons

Text (adapted for the blog by Sister Ann Casper) by Sister Ruth Eileen Dwyer (RIP). Artwork by Sister Rosemary Borntrager, 2002.

Among the favorite prayers of the Advent season are the O Antiphons prayed on the closing days of Advent, Dec. 17 to Dec. 23.

Many of the most significant titles of the One who is to come weave together in the O Antiphons to form a biblical account of how Israel awaited the promised Messiah. Their hope-filled longing came to realization in salvation through Jesus the Christ.

The antiphons trace a chronological path through Israel’s history of people and events that led to the coming of the Messiah who brought salvation for the people. The illustrations add visuals for reflection and contemplative insights into the meaning of the antiphons and enhance their beauty.

We invite you to reflect on an O Antiphon each day leading to Christmas. One word dominated this ancient prayer – Come!!!

For what need or desire do you most eagerly pray, “Come, Lord Jesus?”