For Anyone Struggling This Christmas God Sends His Light | Advent

Day five of the O Antiphons turns to O Oriens, also known as O Dayspring or O Dawn. In this ancient Advent prayer, the Catholic Church names Jesus Christ as the Light who rises in the darkness. Rooted in the prophecies of Isaiah, Malachi, and Zechariah, O Oriens proclaims that Christ comes as the dawn from on high, shining on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.

As the Church draws closer to Christmas, this antiphon reminds us that salvation often comes quietly, steadily, and faithfully, like the rising sun. Christ does not overwhelm the darkness. He dispels it.

In this video, we reflect on:

The biblical meaning of O Oriens

Christ as the Light foretold by the prophets

The connection between Advent, waiting, and darkness

The O Antiphon prayer for today

How to pray this antiphon during Advent

The O Antiphons are prayed from December seventeen through December twenty three during Evening Prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours. Each antiphon names Jesus Christ using a prophetic title and leads the Church step by step toward Christmas.

If you are new to this series, be sure to watch the earlier videos where we unpack the history of the O Antiphons and how Catholics have prayed them for centuries.

I hope this reflection inspires you to trust Christ’s light, especially in seasons of waiting, uncertainty, or darkness.

Be sure to check out the playlist where we unpack the Scriptures. This is where I walk through the Sunday Mass readings and where you will find all the videos in this O Antiphon series.