O Oriens

Just came back from a neighbour’s solstice party, a strange but wonderful concatenation of Christians and pagans. I am more impressed than ever with the various types in the pagan faiths that are echoes or pre-echoes of the coming of Christ, the Light of the World.

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone.” (Isaiah 9:1[2])

O Oriens,
splendor lucis ætérnae, et sol justítiæ:
veni, et illúmina sedéntes in ténebris, et umbra mortis.

Englished:

O Rising Sun,
splendour of light eternal and sun of righteousness:
Come and enlighten those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.