O Day-Spring, Brightness of the Light Everlasting, and Sun of Righteousness, come and enlighten him that sitteth in darkness and in the shadow of death. [Luke 1:78.79; Malachi 4:2]
Once again, I am humbled by the beauty of an ancient Church tradition just discovered by yours truly for the very first time. This tradition: The "O" Antiphons!
The Church has been singing the "O" Antiphons since at least the eight century. They are part of Evening Prayer for December 17-23. They use ancient Biblical imagery drawn from the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment not only of old Messianic hopes, but present ones as well. They embody the longing of all for the Divine Messiah. [usccb.org]
The word antiphon means a psalm, anthem or verse sung responsively. Or, it is a verse that accompanies a canticle or psalm during the liturgy. (www.merriam-webster.com)
Here, again, is today's antiphon in another version:
O Radiant Dawn,
Splendor of eternal light,
Sun of justice,
Come and shine on those who dwell in darkness
and in the shadow of death.
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