O Rising Dawn – O Antiphons

O Oriens: “O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.” Isaiah had prophesied, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shown.” (9:1).

O Rising Dawn (O Oriens): O Rising Dawn, Radiance of the Light eternal and Sun of Justice; Come, enlighten those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death.

I think it is quite neat that we celebrate this Antiphon today after the amazing lunar eclipse last night! Alas, I was only able to see a little bit of the eclipse. I got up at around 1:30 and looked out my sky light. The newspaper said the last time the solstice and the eclipse occurred together was 456 years ago!

To celebrate today, one could make an orange juice punch with 7-up or ginger ale. Last year I served eggs sunny side up! Tonight I’ll probably go with baked ham with pineapple ringss because that’s kind of sunny. Might splurge for orange punch too.

One reader wanted to know why it was such a big deal to plan meals and treats around the antiphons. The answer is, you don’t have to, but it is a very fun way to get the antiphons into the home and family life and remember what they are! My kids definitely have the Root of Jesse and Key of David committed to memory. It’s also a fun little way to celebrate before the big Christmas Day celebrations.

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