Anne, known as Artyi has a blog called, we need boo hoo to get to the woo hoo, which she promises to update more frequently in the new year. You can also find her from time to time on her Ustream Channel. Last year, on December 26. Anne wrote a series of prayer reflections for each of the 12 Days of Christmas. This year, she brings us a reflection about:What are the “O Antiphons”?
The “O Antiphons” refer to the seven antiphons that are recited (or chanted) preceding the Magnificat during Vespers of the Liturgy of the Hours. They cover the special period of Advent preparation known as the Octave before Christmas, from December 17th -23th , with Dec. 24th being Christmas Eve and Vespers for that evening being for the Christmas Vigil.
For me it a great reminder of who Jesus is and the power he has in my life and also it a foretelling of what Isaiah said in his book. Each one highlights a title for the Messiah: 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), and O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations).
I was once reminded by a monk that if you take each of the first letter of each o antiphon and rearrange it it becomes the Latin words ero cras meaning, “Tomorrow, I will come.” Therefore, the Lord Jesus, whose coming we have prepared for in Advent will draw us closer as we pray during the last week of Christmas.
I thought I would share the actual prayers and my own thoughts on it too. I’ve dated them so you can use them as daily reflection throughout the week leading up to Christmas.
Dec. 17th O Sapientia: “O Wisdom, O holy Word of God, you govern all creation with your strong yet tender care. Come and show your people the way to salvation.” Isaiah had prophesied, “The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, a spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord, and his delight shall be the fear of the Lord.” (11:2-3), and “Wonderful is His counsel and great is His wisdom.” (28:29).
Lord I pray as we near your birth that your spirit of awe may be upon us give us the strength to follow you daily and strive to delight in your ways now and always amen.
Dec. 18th O Adonai: “O sacred Lord of ancient Israel, who showed yourself to Moses in the burning bush, who gave him the holy law on Sinai mountain: come, stretch out your mighty hand to set us free.” Isaiah had prophesied, “But He shall judge the poor with justice, and decide aright for the land’s afflicted. He shall strike the ruthless with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked. Justice shall be the band around his waist, and faithfulness a belt upon his hips.” (11:4-5); and “Indeed the Lord will be there with us, majestic; yes the Lord our judge, the Lord our lawgiver, the Lord our king, he it is who will save us.” (33:22).
Oh sacred one may we hold you as sacred as a gem of high worth. May you give us the courage to strive for what is right in our world indeed Lord by our striving may we come to know you more and more.
Dec. 19 O Radix Jesse: “O Flower of Jesse’s stem, you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples; kings stand silent in your presence; the nations bow down in worship before you. Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.” Isaiah had prophesied, “But a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom.” (11:1), and on that day, the root of Jesse, set up as a signal for the nations, the Gentiles shall seek out, for his dwelling shall be glorious.” (11:10). Remember also that Jesse was the father of King David, and Micah had prophesied that the Messiah would be of the house and lineage of David and be born in David’s city, Bethlehem (Micah 5:1).
Lord we pray that we may be rooted in our faith in you and as a tree that is well kept may we grow and be strong and flourish by our faith in you.
Dec. 20 O Clavis David: “O Key of David, O royal Power of Israel controlling at your will the gate of Heaven: Come, break down the prison walls of death for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death; and lead your captive people into freedom.” Isaiah had prophesied, I will place the Key of the House of David on His shoulder; when he opens, no one will shut, when he shuts, no one will open.” (22:22), and “His dominion is vast and forever peaceful, from David’s throne, and over His kingdom, which he confirms and sustains by judgment and justice, both now and forever.” (9:6).
Lord unlock our stubborn wills and allow our darkness to follow into your mighty love. May you give us you guidance by opening and shutting the door that leads us away from you and to you . And when we feel the hurt of a shut door may we we see it as your love for us.
Dec 21. O Oriens: “O Radiant Dawn, splendour of eternal light, sun of justice: come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.” Isaiah had prophesied, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shown.” (9:1).
As the the sun brings warmth and light may we this Christmas time bring light to those who walk in darkness by being living witnesses to our living faith.
Dec 22. O Rex Gentium: “O King of all the nations, the only joy of every human heart; O Keystone of the mighty arch of man, come and save the creature you fashioned from the dust.” Isaiah had prophesied, “For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counsellor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.” (9:5), and “He shall judge between the nations, and impose terms on many peoples. They shall beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks; one nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again.” (2:4) .
Lord we pray for wars of words, wars over faith, wars due to intolerance. Lord you are the prince of peace. May we see you as a force that can bind and unite and up hold just as a corner stone does to a building. Bring peace to the world by bring peace into our own hearts.
Dec 23. O Emmanuel: “O Emmanuel, king and lawgiver, desire of the nations, Saviour of all people, come and set us free, Lord our God.” Isaiah had prophesied, “The Lord himself will give you this sign: the Virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.”
Lord I pray as we near your birth that you may ransom our hearts and set them free through your Holy Spirit, that we may truly follow the rule and guide you give us.
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