O Antiphons, Advents’ Homestretch
Today we pray the O Antiphons with Evening Prayer: the Roman Catholic Church has been singing the "O" Antiphons for hundreds of years. They are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat at Evening Prayer from December 17-23.
The O Antiphons theology uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament. “Their repeated use of the imperative "Come!" embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah.” [USCCB.ORG]
December 17
O Wisdom of our God Most High,
guiding creation with power and love:
come to teach us the path of knowledge!
December 18
O Leader of the House of Israel,
giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai:
come to rescue us with your mighty power!
December 19
O Root of Jesse’s stem,
sign of God’s love for all his people:
come to save us without delay!
December 20
O Key of David,
opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom:
come and free the prisoners of darkness!
December 21
O Radiant Dawn,
splendor of eternal light, sun of justice:
come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the
shadow of death.
December 22
O King of all nations and keystone of the Church:
come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!
December 23
O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law:
come to save us, Lord our God!
The hymn ‘O Come, O Come, Emmanuel’ has arcane words and expressions in it, the roots of the Latin text come from the ‘O Antiphons’ (begins with an ‘O’), traditionally used during the last seven days of Advent during the Roman Catholic Vespers service.
Listen to this haunting rendition of O come, O come, Emmanuel - (Piano/Cello) by The Piano Guys: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO7ySn-Swwc
Our Lady of Perpetual Help, pray for us.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. Andre Bessette, intercede for us.
St. Francis de Sales, pray for us.
“Tune my spirit to the music of heaven.” [St. Brendan the Navigator]
May God Be Praised and your day be Blessed.
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