O Dayspring
December 21
ANTIPHON
O Dayspring, Splendor of Light Everlasting and Sun of Righteousness: Come and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.
READING
From Isaiah chapter 9, Malachi chapter 4, and 2 Peter chapter 1:
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Upon those who dwelt in the land of deep darkness a light has shone.
But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings.
And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
COLLECT
O Jesus, Bright Morning Star, at your first coming into this dark world the heavens shone brightly to herald our salvation; and though the gloom impenetrable enveloped your cross, your light could not be overcome. When our evening comes, stay with us Lord, so that the night of death will yield to the dawn of your eternal Easter. Amen
HYMN
O come, Thou Dayspring from on high,
And cheer us by Thy drawing nigh;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!
