The O Antiphons
Meditations on the One who is to come.
The O Antiphons refer to the seven antiphons that are recited (or chanted) preceding the Magnificat during Vespers of the Liturgy of the Hours.
They cover the special period of Advent preparation known as the Octave before Christmas, Dec. 17-23.
The O Antiphons refer to the seven antiphons that are recited (or chanted) preceding the Magnificat during Vespers of the Liturgy of the Hours.
They cover the special period of Advent preparation known as the Octave before Christmas, Dec. 17-23.
The Church has invoked the titles of Christ in the O Antiphons for at least 1,300 years. These seven ancient prayers have been prayed by millions of Christians throughout the world. The medieval monasteries used to ring their largest bell as the choirs of monks intoned Mary’s Magnificat and these Advent antiphons. They are invoking Christ in seven messianic titles.
These O Antiphons are intoned during Evening Prayer on the seven days leading up to Christmas Eve. All seven are in the oracles of the Old Testament prophet Isaiah, who gives us many memorable images of the Messiah. They are rich meditations on the One who is to come.
Although there are seven titles in the O Antiphons, only one has remained firmly in popular Christian culture, thanks to an Advent hymn: “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” This messianic title is the final of the seven O Antiphons.
The Church has invoked the titles of Christ in the O Antiphons for at least 1,300 years. These seven ancient prayers have been prayed by millions of Christians throughout the world. The medieval monasteries used to ring their largest bell as the choirs of monks intoned Mary’s Magnificat and these Advent antiphons. They are invoking Christ in seven messianic titles.
These O Antiphons are intoned during Evening Prayer on the seven days leading up to Christmas Eve. All seven are in the oracles of the Old Testament prophet Isaiah, who gives us many memorable images of the Messiah. They are rich meditations on the One who is to come.
Although there are seven titles in the O Antiphons, only one has remained firmly in popular Christian culture, thanks to an Advent hymn: “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” This messianic title is the final of the seven O Antiphons.
17th December
O Wisdom of our God Most High,
guiding creation with power and love:
come to teach us the path of knowledge!
18th December
O Leader of the House of Israel,
giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai:
come to rescue us with your mighty power!
19th December
O Root of Jesse’s stem,
sign of God’s love for all his people:
come to save us without delay!
20th December
O Key of David,
opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom:
come and free the prisoners of darkness!
21st December
O Radiant Dawn,
splendour of eternal light, sun of justice:
come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the
shadow of death.
22nd December
O King of all nations and keystone of the Church:
come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!
23rd December
O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law:
come to save us, Lord our God!
