12/16 THE “O’S” OF ADVENT

R_O antiphon

The last seven days before Christmas contain the seven “O Antiphons.”

The “O’s” of Advent are the great gems of liturgical song which are sung each evening at the “Magnificat” at Vespers, from December 17 to December 23. Addressing Christ with seven magnificent titles, they beg Him to come to save His people.

Each O antiphon addresses Christ using a Messianic title drawn from the prophecies of the Old Testament. Read backwards, the initials of each title in Latin form the words Cras ero or “Tomorrow I shall be (with you)”.

Sapientia (Wisdom)
Adonai (Holy Lord)
Radix Jesse (Root of Jesse)
Clavis David (Key of David)
Oriens (Dayspring or Morning Star)
Rex Gentium (King of the Nations)
Emmanuel (God-with-us)

Dec. 17–O WISDOM, who came from the mouth of the Most High, reaching from end to end and ordering all things mightily and sweetly– COME! and teach us the way of prudence.

Dec. 18–O HOLY LORD of the House of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the flame of the burning bush, and gave him the law on Sinai– COME! and redeem us with outstretched arm.

Dec. 19–O ROOT OF JESSE, who stands for an ensign of the people, before whom kings shall keep silence, and unto whom the Gentiles shall make supplication– COME! to deliver us, and tarry not.

Dec. 20–O KEY OF DAVID, and Sceptre of the House of Israel, who opens and no man shuts, who shuts, and no man opens– COME! and bring forth the captive from his prison, he who sits in darkness and in the shadow of death.

Dec. 21–O DAYSPRING, brightness of the light eternal, and Sun of Justice- COME! and enlighten them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.

Dec. 22–O KING OF THE NATIONS and their desired One, the Cornerstone that makes both one– COME! and deliver man, whom You formed out of the dust of the earth.

Dec. 23–O EMMANUEL, our King and Lawgiver, the expected of the nations and their Savior– COME! to save us, O Lord our God.