O Dayspring, O Dawn
December 21
(From December 17 until Christmas Eve, the Church begins to enhance Evening Prayer with what have become known as the "O Antiphons." These antiphons are used to introduce the "Magnificat," Mary's Song of Praise. Each of them introduces a title that applies to Jesus, the Christ, our Messiah.)
The O Antiphon for December 21, "O Oriens"/"O Dawn of the East," is drawn from Job 38:12 and Luke 1:78. "Dawn of the East" is often translated as "Dayspring."
Have you ever in your lifetime commanded the morning
and shown the dawn its place?
Because of the tender mercy of our God
by which the daybreak from on high will visit us…
O Dawn of the East, Brightness of the Light Eternal and Sun of Justice, come and enlighten them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.
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