In these last days of Advent (beginning December 16) join us in preparing for Christmas by praying daily the O Antiphons. Each of these brief ancient prayers emphasizes a different name of Jesus. Each O Antiphon corresponds with a verse in the beloved Advent hymn, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. Below are listed the seven daily O Antiphons and the corresponding verses of the hymn:
1. O Sapientia (O Wisdom from on high) (O Come, O Come Emmanuel, verse 2)
O Wisdom, you came forth from the mouth of the Most High, and reaching from beginning to end, you ordered all things mightily and sweetly. Come and teach us the way of prudence.
O come, O Wisdom from on high,
who ordered all things mightily;
to us the path of knowledge show
and teach us in its ways to go.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.
2. O Adonai (O Lord of Might) (OCOCE, v. 3)
O Adonai and Ruler of the house of Israel, you appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush, and on Mount Sinai gave him your Law: Come, and with an outstretched arm redeem us!
O come, O come, great Lord of might,
who to your tribes on Sinai’s height
in ancient times did give the law
in cloud and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.
3. O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse) (OCOCE, v. 4)
O Root of Jesse, You stand for an ensign of mankind; before You kings shall keep silence, and to You all nations shall have recourse. Come and save us and do not delay.
O come, O Branch of Jesse’s stem,
unto your own and rescue them!
From depths of hell your people save,
and give them victory o’er the grave.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.
4. O Clavis David (O Key of David) (OCOCE, v. 5)
O Key of David and Scepter of the house of Israel: You open and none may close, You close and none may open. Come and deliver from the chains of prison those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.
O come, O Key of David, come
and open wide our heavenly home.
Make safe for us the heavenward road
and bar the way to death’s abode.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.
5. O Oriens (O Dayspring/Morning Star) (OCOCE, v. 6)
O Dayspring, Radiance of the Light eternal and Sun of Justice; come and enlighten those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death.
O come, O Bright and Morning Star,
and bring us comfort from afar!
Dispel the shadows of the night
and turn our darkness into light.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.
6. O Rex Gentium (O Desire of Nations) (OCOCE, v. 7)
O King of the nations and Desired of all, you are the cornerstone that binds two into one: Come, and save humankind whom you formed out of clay.
O come, O King of nations, bind
in one the hearts of all mankind.
Bid all our sad divisions cease
and be yourself our King of Peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.
7. O Emmanuel (O Come, Emmanuel) (OCOCE, v. 1)
O Emmanuel, our King and Lawgiver, the Expected of Nations and their Savior: come, and save us, O Lord our God!
O come, O come, Immanuel,
and ransom captive Israel
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.
I pray these simple meditations add meaning to this week’s devotions. May you, and those whom you hold dear, find your joy renewed and your hope rekindled as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.