# A Melody of Hope: Sunrise on the Fourth Sunday of Advent
*2008-12-19*

> Bill Young reflects on the symbolism of sunrise for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, drawing from Rev. James Field’s meditation and ancient church tradition.

## Opening Prayer

We begin with the prayer given to me by Sister Mary Teresa: “Hail and blessed be the hour in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary. At midnight in Bethlehem, in piercing cold, in that hour of hope, O God, hear my prayers and grant my desires through the merits of our Savior Jesus Christ and of His Blessed Mother. Amen.”

## Sunrise as a Spiritual Metaphor

The Fourth Sunday of Advent invites us to contemplate sunrise. In my own life I have always been a slow riser—once a doctor told me it was due to low blood pressure, and my father tried every trick, from hidden alarm clocks to splashing water on my face. Yet the ancient world saw each night as a kind of death and each morning as a birth, a rescue. Even when winter’s gloom builds, we hold up lights in the darkness to remind ourselves that Christ’s victory is coming.

## The Church’s Eastward Orientation

In medieval times, churches were built facing east. The sunrise breaking through the eastern windows of a dim, unadorned building symbolized Christ entering our daily lives. This architectural choice was a visual reminder that the Light of the world dispels darkness.

## Gospel Reflection: Mary and Elizabeth

The Gospel for today shows the joy of Elizabeth when Mary entered her home to minister in a moment of crisis. Mary’s visit brought the Light of Christ into Elizabeth’s house, just as sunrise brings light after night. The passage reminds us that there is never a sunset without a dawn to follow.

## Call to Action

Even when it is hard, we are invited to rise for sunrise tomorrow morning, to welcome the “sun of justice” that comes in the Light. Let us open our hearts to the hope that Advent promises.

*Each sunrise reminds us that Christ’s Light follows every darkness, calling us to awaken to hope.*