Advent and the O Antiphons

Late Advent is a term given to the days from December 17th to the 23rd. The prayers of the Church during those days uses short pieces of religious texts which begin with “O”. The song, “O Come O Come Emmanuel” is based on these O Antiphons which are regularly sung in the Church as part of the Church’s official Evening Prayer. The theology here comes in seeing in Jesus the fulfillment of each of these Old Testament images and titles, he is the Wisdom of God, he is the Radiant Dawn, he is Emmanuel, God among us. Jesus, the child born for us, is the one in whom all these things come to fruition. 

December 17
O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love: come to teach us the path of knowledge!

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!

December 19
O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: come to save us without delay!

December 20
O Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness!

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.

December 22
O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!

December 23
O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law: come to save
us, Lord our God!

It is not a bad spiritual practice to use these O Antiphons in personal prayer for reflection on how Jesus manifests these in each of our own lives.