December 13, Rev. Matthias C. Wollberg

O Oriens

O Dayspring, splendor of light everlasting: Come and enlighten those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death.

Upon the cross, our dear Lord Jesus was enshrouded in night. The land was covered in darkness for three hours though it was midday. It seemed as though the light of the world had been overcome. It seemed as if a hopeless night had come from which there would be no return. He who is the Light of the world dwelt in darkness and in the very shadow of death. Is this how he comes to enlighten us?

Beloved, this is indeed the way! Jesus entered into the darkness for your sake, so that you might become children of the light. I am reminded of the apostle’s words, “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Cor. 5:21). The light of Christ has dawned upon us, even among us, who are darkened by sin and death. Jesus bore the veil of death so that he might be with you in the darkness of your death with the light of his own Righteousness.

Do you still sit in darkness? Take courage Christian heart, the Eternal Dayspring comes to our benighted sphere. This happens where Jesus’ death and resurrection are proclaimed until his return. Therefore, hasten to see the Light which shines from pulpits and fonts and altars. The Light has not been overcome but the darkness. For Jesus rose on the morning of the third day, banishing sin’s gloom and scattering death’s shadow for all eternity.

Rev. Matthias C. Wollberg

Pastor. St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Riceville, Iowa

Christ Academy: High School Student, 2010-2011 Christ Academy: High School Proctor, 2014-2015 Christ Academy: Assistant Student Director, 2016 Christ Academy: Student Director, 2017