“I love the O’s. They really get me ready for Christmas.”
“Oh, what are you two talking about?” I asked my friends. Not only did I hear the answer, but I learned a new Advent tradition.
The O’s they were referring to are the Antiphons or sometimes spelled O’Antiphones. These are seven prayers chanted in the evening the seven days before Christmas. Actually the Antiphons ritual begins December 17 until December 23.
Their strange name, Antiphons, originates from the Greek language meaning responsive singing.
What is special about these sentences is that each one is a title for the coming Messiah. They are, 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 Rising Sun), O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations), and O Emmanuel. Each one refers to the prophecy of Isaiah of the coming of the Messiah.
The Seven Antiphons
December 17 ”O Wisdom, proceeding from the mouth of the Most High, Pervading and permeating all creation, mightily ordering all things: Come and teach us the way of prudence.”
December 18 ”O Adonai and ruler of the house of Israel,Who appeared to Moses in the burning bush and gave him the Law on Sinai: Come with an outstretched arm and redeem us.”
December 19 ”O Root of Jesse, who stands for an ensign before the people, Before whom kings are mute and to whom the nations will do homage: Come quickly to deliver us.”
December 20 ”O Key of David and scepter of the house of Israel, You open and no one can close, You close and no one can open: Come and rescue the prisoners who are in darkness and in the shadow of death.”
December 21 ”O Dayspring, splendor of light everlasting: Come and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.”
December 22 ”O King of the nations, The ruler they long for, the cornerstone uniting all people: Come and save us all, whom You formed out of clay.”
December 23 ”O Emmanuel, our king and our Lord, The anointed for the nations and their Savior: Come and save us, O Lord our God.”
I was amazed to learn that this tradition of welcoming Christ has existed since at least the 4th century. By the 8th century they were used in many of the churches in Rome and in monasteries. They become so common you could hear the phrase “Keeping the O’s” and most would know exactly what you were talking about.
I found this video so we could learn more and listen to them.
These beautiful prayers express our yearning for Christ to come. The chanting melodies quiet my soul and draw me closer to God. They remind me that God keeps his promises and I can trust him.
O, I discovered a new treasure this Advent – Antiphons.
O, Come O, Come Emmanuel.
O Come Lord Jesus!
New website is beautiful, Jean. Well done!
O Come, Lord Jesus Indeed
Merry Christmas, Mary! What a wonderful name you have, especially this time of year. I haven’t forgotten your wonderful offer to be a guest poster on your blog. Between my blog changing and the manuscript due, I have been a bit frazzled. Don’t give up on me!
Have a blessed Christmas!
No worries, Jean. Whenever the timing is right. Have a beautiful holiday.
Jean, I always leave your site far richer than before I visited… 🙂
I’d not heard of these either, but how wonderful! Thank you for sharing these with us!
Have a Blessed Day my dear friend!
You are so sweet Phil. Have a wonderful Christmas with your family and with Christ!
New blog!! Looks great!
I learned about the O antiphons when i became Catholic. I love to pray with them.
Thanks Colleen, I am really learning a bunch too. Just what I needed at the busiest time of year. I knew the Catholics and Episcopalians used the O’s but I had never heard of them. I think they are a wonderful way to pray. Have a blessed Christmas!!
I’d never heard of Advent Antiphons either. Thank you for introducing us to them, Jean. I can see these sentence prayers becoming the basis for word studies–more delightful discoveries as these antiphons are the basis for meditation!
Nancy you are my very first commenter on the new blog. I think that is so cool. This whole idea of the antiphons was new for me too. Where have we been? great idea to use them for word studies. Have a blessed Christmas!
You, too, Jean, have a very blessed, joy-filled, peace-swaddled Christmas!
I am blessed to get to know you this year, Nancy. Praying you too have a wonderful Christmas!