The Nativity of John the Baptist: On the brightest day of the year, we echo the cry of from the Darkest Day:

Tramonto a Tropea 5 - Tropea Sunset 5, originally uploaded by Zurgo.

From December 21st Vespers, the Antiphon to the Magnificat

O Oriens,
splendor lucis aeternae,
et sol justitiae:
veni, et illumina
sedentes in tenebris,
et umbra mortis.


O Day-spring, O Morning Star, O Breaking Sun, O Son of Righteousness
splendor of the light eternal and bright sun of righteousness:
come and bring light to those who dwell in darkness
and walk in the shadow of death.
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.