The
'O' Antiphons
As early as the 8th century, the
seven "Great Antiphons," or
"Great O's" were sung in the
monasteries during Advent vespers before
and after the "Magnificat."
Each antiphon (a verse sung responsively
between two groups) began with the
letter "O" followed by a
salutation with one of the biblical
names for Christ.
These salutations were O Sapientia
(Wisdom), O Adonai (Lord), O
Radix Jesse (Root of Jesse), O
Clavis David (Key of David), O
Oriens (Orient), O Rex Gentium
(King of the Gentiles), and O
Emmanuel (God with us).
They
are part of the Divine Office, the
official Prayer of the Church. These
prayers are sung or said on the seven
days before the Vigil of the Nativity,
beginning on December 17th.
The
O Antiphons are a collection of passages
from Biblical texts, largely the wisdom
and prophetic books, they are believed
to have been composed by a cantor of the
7th or 8th century. The O Antiphons
became truly popular during the Middle
Ages. They speak of man's desire and
longing for God, a longing which has
existed throughout the history of God's
people from the beginning of time
through Abraham, Moses and David,
fulfilled on the night when Emmanuel
(God with us) JESUS
was born.
The
structure of the Antiphons make them
perfect for a family tradition, and if
you wish, you can make them into
ornaments to hang from your Christmas
tree. Some families draw the symbols of
the Antiphons on circles of cardboard,
felt, fabric or paper and hang them from
ribbons on a banner or poster. The
circles are turned to the wall and after
the Antiphon is sung or said, the circle
is flipped to show the images. On
Christmas Eve, all the images are
visible.
(click
on thumbnails to see large image)
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December
17:
O Sapientia
(Wisdom)
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!
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December
18:
O Adonai (Lord)
O
Lord
and Ruler of the house of
Israel, You appeared to Moses in
the burning bush and on Mount
Sinai gave him Your Law. Come
and with outstretched arm redeem
us!
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December
19:
O Radix Jesse
(Root of Jesse)
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, save us and do not delay!
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December
20:
O Clavis David
(Key of David)
O
Key of David,
and Sceptre of the House of
Israel, You open and no man
closes; You close and no man
opens. Come and deliver him from
the chains of prison who sits in
darkness and in the shadow of
death!
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December
21:
O Oriens (Orient)
O
Rising Dawn,
Radiance of the Light eternal
and Sun of Justice; come and
enlighten those who sit in
darkness and in the shadow of
death!
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December
22:
O Rex Gentium
(King of the Gentiles)
O
King of Nations
and Desired of All, You are the
cornerstone that binds two into
one. Come, and save poor man
whom You fashioned out of clay!
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December
23:
O Emmanuel (God
with us)
O
Emmanuel,
God with us, our King and
Lawgiver, the Expected of
nations and their Saviour; come
and save us , O Lord our God!
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Some Useful LINKS for the
Season:
www.msgr.ca
