Advent IV
The Great “O” Antiphons
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
If you open your hymnal to “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” on page 357, you’ll find the Great “O” antiphons on the opposite page. These antiphons are short prayers that go back centuries and have been traditionally prayed during the last seven days of Advent.
But don’t be fooled by their brevity; these prayers are rich and deep in Scriptural meaning.
As Christmas approaches, I invite you to use these antiphons (listed below) during your daily prayers.
If you want to learn more about their meaning, you can also click here.
God bless and keep you in these final days of Advent. May we pray now, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.”
The peace of Christ be with you,
Pastor Rogness
The Great “O” Antiphons
December 17: O Wisdom
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. (Isaiah 11:2-3)
December 18: O Adonai
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. (Isaiah 11:14-5)
December 19: O Root of Jesse
O Root of Jesse, standing as an ensign before the peoples, before whom all kings are mute, to whom the nations will do homage: Come quickly to deliver us. (Isaiah 11:1,10)
December 20: O Key of David
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 the shadow of death. (Isaiah 22:22)
December 21: O Dayspring
O Dayspring, splendor of light everlasting: Come and enlighten those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death. (Isaiah 9:2)
December 22: O King
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. (Isaiah 2:4)
December 23: O Emmanuel
O Emmanuel, our king and our Lord, the anointed for the nations and their Savior: Come and save us, O Lord our God. (Isaiah 7:14)
