O Oriens

On this, the longest, darkest day of the year, we look to the One who is the Dawn from on High (Luke 1:76), Jesus the light of the world (John 8:12). So radiant is his light in all its fullness that in the heavenly Jerusalem, darkness and night will be no more for the Lord will be its light (Rev 22:5). In this Advent season, let us pray that the light of Jesus the Son will increasingly dawn in the darkness of our lives and of our world.

O Dawn,

Whose light pierced the darkness at the beginning of time, Bringing forth life, come.

O Light of God, Who enlightened humankind throughout its history Showing them the way through their darkness, come.

O Dawn, Who witnessed the deliverance of Israel from slavery to freedom through the waters of the sea. Come.

O Dawn, Whose light pierced the morning darkness, When the women discovered that the tomb of Jesus empty. Come.

O Dawn, Break forth in the darkness that enslaves and deadens our world today, the darkness of war and violence, the darkness of poverty and pain, the darkness of abuse and discrimination, the darkness of despair and hopelessness, Come, that your light may overcome all darkness.

O Dawn, Break forth in the darkness that still covers our own lives, the darkness of brokenness and sin, the darkness of suffering and pain, the darkness of doubt and fear and sorrow, the darkness of death. Come, shine with your healing rays.

O Dawn, Whose light pierced the darkness at the beginning of time, Break forth in the darkness of our own time. Bring forth peace and justice, life and wholeness for all.

Come, bright Morning Star, true light of the world, Dispel all darkness with the radiance of your dawn.

Come, do not delay.

S. Anne Elizabeth Sweet, OCSO