"O" Yes, Once More

As the winter solstice comes upon us, decreasing the length of sunlight we experience in the Northern Hemisphere, our longing for light increases. As it is for our physical nature, so also for our spiritual side. Our souls groan under the weight of the darkness of sin and year for light as well. Our hope for a savior intensifies. Our wait for deliverance, like the final days of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is almost at hand.

And so we begin the final days of our Advent journey. Once again, as is custom in this infinitesimal corner of the universe, I present to you my series of mediations on the "O" Antiphons. Based on the antiphons which precede the Magnificat during Vespers/Evening Prayer for the next seven days, we beseech God to send us the promised Messiah, expounding upon some of the titles under which He is proclaimed. Once again I draw upon Fr. John Zuhlsdorf and the Norbertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey in Silverado, CA  to do the heavy lifting, while I add my nickel's worth (remember, the penny is no longer being minted).

I hope these words about the coming of the Word made Flesh are still edifying. While I like to joke about how I am the king or re-posting, I'd like to think that reviewing old material still has some benefit. While what I have written hasn't changed, perhaps your perspective has.

Christmas has its octave. We are in the last eight days of our preparation. May the remainder of this season bear much fruit.

See you in a few hours.