Daily Devotions for Sunday, December 21, 2025: The Light in the Longest Night: O Oriens

 

The Daily Devotional

Sunday, December 21, 2025

The Light in the Longest Night: O Oriens

“By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” — Luke 1:78–79

Introduction

Today, December 21, marks a significant turning point in both the calendar and the church year. In the Northern Hemisphere, this is the Winter Solstice—the shortest day and the longest night of the year. For centuries, the church has seemingly timed its prayers to match the rhythms of creation.

Precisely on this day, when the darkness feels most encroaching, the ancient "O Antiphon" sung in the monasteries is O Oriens—O Radiant Dawn, or O Dayspring. It is a defiant, hopeful cry. Just as the natural world reaches the peak of darkness and begins its slow turn back toward the light, our spirits cry out for the "Sun of Justice" to break the horizon and chase away the shadows of fear and death.

Reflection

There is a distinct kind of cold that happens just before sunrise. If you have ever gone camping or backpacking in the mountains, you know this feeling well.

Imagine you are in a tent high up in the hills. The night has been long. Perhaps you’ve been tossing and turning, listening to the wind, feeling the temperature drop through your sleeping bag. The darkness isn't just a lack of light; it feels heavy, silent, and isolating. You check your watch, waiting for relief.

Then, it happens. It isn't a sudden explosion of heat, but a subtle shift. The sky turns a bruised purple, then a soft grey, and finally, a piercing gold strikes the fabric of your tent. In an instant, the terror of the night evaporates. You didn't have to shout at the sun to make it rise. You didn't have to negotiate with the earth to spin. The dawn came because that is what the dawn does: it remains faithful.

This is the essence of O Oriens. The Scripture reminds us that Christ comes to us not because we have perfected our behavior or chased away our own darkness. He comes because of the "tender mercy of our God."

We often sit in "darkness and the shadow of death"—whether that is the grief of losing a loved one, the confusion of a career change, or the quiet anxiety of the unknown. We try to manufacture our own light with artificial distractions, but they always burn out. The message of December 21 is that the True Light is rising. It is inevitable. The longest night we face is merely the stage for the greatest dawn God is preparing.

Application

The solstice reminds us that even when the night is longest, the light is already returning.

Today, identify one "shadow" in your life—a worry, a grudge, or a fear that you have been sitting in. Instead of trying to fix it immediately, acknowledge it. Then, make a conscious effort to look for the "Dawn" in that situation.

Is there a small moment of grace you missed? A friend reaching out? A moment of peace? Tonight, light a single candle in a dark room. Watch how that small flame commands the attention of the entire space. Let it be a physical reminder that the shadows have no power over the Dawn.

Conclusion

As we stand on the threshold of Christmas, we do not deny the darkness of the world; we simply refuse to let it have the final word. We look to the East. The wait is almost over. The Sun of Righteousness is rising with healing in its wings, and the shadows are about to flee.

Prayer

O Radiant Dawn, Splendor of eternal light and Sun of Justice, we welcome You into our longest nights. Come and shine on those of us who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death. When we feel cold and isolated, remind us that Your mercy is as sure as the sunrise. Break the chains of our fear, warm our weary hearts, and guide our feet gently into the way of peace. Amen.

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Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA

The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.