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December 24, 2022Though the readings of this final day of Advent are often overshadowed by the Christmas Vigil Mass that occurs later this evening, we should allow ourselves to rest in these final quiet moments of the darkness of Advent before the festivities begin. The readings and antiphons today evoke a strong image of light set to pierce the long darkness: for David, it is the darkness of war and uncertainty about his lineage continuing; for Zechariah, it is the darkness of Israel’s longing for a Messiah, trusting but not yet seeing what God has in store; and for us, it is the deep darkness of winter setting in, marked by the turmoil and anxiety in the world and in our daily lives.
But as the communion antiphon, drawing from the O Antiphon tradition, promises us, “O Radiant Dawn!” and as Zechariah’s prophetic words say, “The dawn from on high shall break upon us!” so shall we receive the light of Christ very soon. It may not be a blinding light or an overwhelming illumination, but we are assured that the light will pierce the long darkness as the darkest day of the winter solstice gradually gives way to the Dawn. Let us remember in the quiet moments of this final day of expectation and longing that Christ did not come into a world already perfect and joyful; he came into the world as it was, with all its complications and problems. So, whether we find ourselves joyful and ready, or lonely and fearful, or busy and distracted, may we let God’s light find us this day as his Dawn of hope begins to pierce the darkness of our longing.
