Oh What?
The O Antiphons? Yes, the O Antiphons. The O Antiphons are the seven antiphons of Advent. They are also known as “The Greater Antiphons.” These antiphons introduce the Magnificat, or canticle of Mary, at evening prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours, beginning this Tuesday, December 17th through December 23rd.
Each of the antiphons begins with a title for Christ. "O Wisdom," "O Sacred Lord," "O Flower of Jesse's Stem," "O Key of David," "O Radiant Dawn," "O King of all the nations," and finally, "O Emmanuel." Because each antiphon begins with “O” these antiphons are called the O Antiphons. Each of these titles for Jesus Christ, the Messiah, is a reference to His coming from the prophetic writings of the Old Testament.
All of the verses from the familiar Advent song, " O Come, O Come Emmanuel" are based on the "O Antiphons”. This song, with its Gregorian Chant based melody, is a song of longing for the coming of the Savior. These antiphons are a wonderful prayerful conclusion to our Advent preparation.
December 17: O Wisdom, O holy Word of God, you govern all creation with your strong yet tender care: Come and show your people the way to salvation.
December 18: O Sacred Lord of ancient Israel, who showed yourself to Moses in the burning bush, who gave him the holy law on Sinai mountain: Come, stretch out your mighty hand to set us free.
December 19: O Flower of Jesse’s stem, you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples; kings stand silent in your presence; the nations bow down in worship before you. Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.
December 20: O Key of David, O royal Power of Israel, controlling at your will the gate of heaven: Come, break down the prison walls of death for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death; and lead your captive people into freedom.
December 21: O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: Come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.
December 22: O King of all the nations, the only joy of every human heart; O Keystone of the mighty arch of man: Come and save the creature you fashioned from the dust.
December 23: O Emmanuel, king and lawgiver, desire of the nations, Savior of all people: Come and set us free, Lord our God.
It is interesting to look at the Latin words for each of these titles: O Sapientia, (O Wisdom); O Adonai, (O Lord); O Radix Jesse, (O Root of Jesse); O Clavis David, (O Key of David); O Oriens, (O Radiant Dawn); O Rex gentium, (O King of nations); and O Emmanuel, (God is with us). The antiphons are ordered this way with a definite purpose, by taking the first letter of each Latin title in reverse order – Emmanuel, Rex, Oriens, Clavis, Radix, Adonai, and Sapientia– the Latin words “ero cras” are formed and these latin words mean, “Tomorrow, I will come.”
The seven prophetic titles for Christ give us the meaning of our Advent preparation and bring it to a most joyful conclusion.
Come, O long expected Jesus. Fill us with your love, joy, and peace as we wait in hope for your coming in the manger at Bethlehem and when you come again in power and great glory.
Deacon Michael Braun