-
The Roman Church has been singing the "O" Antiphons since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23. They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well. Their repeated use of the imperative "Come!" embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah. (from USCCB website)
December 17
O Wisdom of our God Most High,
guiding creation with power and love:
come to teach us the path of knowledge!
Christ himself has taught us that he is “the Way, the Truth and the Life.” To be an authentic disciple of Jesus, we must allow him to lead us home to our Father’s house in heaven. We must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus whom we proclaim, especially during this Christmas season, to be the Wisdom of God made flesh.
Bishop Robert J. McManus, Diocese of Worcester
December 18
O Leader of the House of Israel,
giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai:
come to rescue us with your mighty power!
God’s law is a prescription for freedom, for happiness, for fullness of life. As we anticipate the coming of the Word made Flesh, let us turn to God in His mercy, and trust in His love to rescue us from our weak and sinful selves. May we prepare our hearts to receive and accept His law of love - a Love that brings liberation from sin and unburdens our weary soul.
Allison LeDoux, Office of Marriage and Family
December 19
O Root of Jesse’s stem,
sign of God’s love for all his people:
come to save us without delay!
Throughout the history of Israel, God’s chosen people longed for the promised Messiah and they were not disappointed for trusting the prophets’ words that their Savior would come from the Root of Jesse. When you trust God, you learn that God is trustworthy. Let us remember, even when things are difficult and the wait is long, that we can always trust His promise. Come, Lord Jesus!
Allison LeDoux, Respect Life Office
December 20
O Key of David,
opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom:
come and free the prisoners of darkness!
The Lord, who was, and is, and is to come, has not only the key to heaven but the power to breakdown the dark prison walls of death—to free those held captive there! The greatest prison break of all time and eternity.
Let’s ask ourselves: What are the prison walls of my own heart? Does hopelessness and despair over death cause me anxiety? Do I need a profound sign of hope? The Light of the Manger in the cave in Bethlehem is the same Light that shines forth in the middle of the night on Easter. He is Christ, our hope, our help, and our salvation.
Fr. John Daly, Catholic Schools Office
December 21
O Radiant Dawn,
splendor of eternal light, sun of justice:
come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the
shadow of death.
The radiant light of Christ shines from the manger and through the tomb to proclaim the great day of justice and mercy, where the righteous are saved and the unrighteous still have the hope of our intercessions and of all the saints. On that day may all who are held in darkness and bonds of death be set free by the light of mercy and divine forgiveness.
EGO CRAS: I come, or, I am coming (Maranatha in Aramaic). Those two words form an acrostic if read from “bottom to top” in the Latin text. Come, Lord, and set us free!
Fr. John Daly, Catholic Schools Office
December 22
O King of all nations and keystone of the Church:
come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!
Christ is the divinely Anointed One – the Messiah – who comes for all peoples everywhere. In Him alone we find the fullness of justice, mercy and healing. We worship Him in our midst even as we prepare for his coming in glory.
Elizabeth Marcil, Office of Religious Education
December 23
O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law:
come to save us, Lord our God!
The name “Emmanuel” means “God is with us.” God wishes that all people might be saved and no one be lost. The Child of Bethlehem is the Savior of the world who has come to set us free from sin and death. Come, let us adore him!
Bishop Robert J. McManus, Diocese of Worcester