O Antiphons — overview · Ephesians 6 Ministry

O Antiphons — overview

The O Antiphons are a series of seven antiphons recited or chanted during Vespers in the Liturgy of the Hours from December 17 to December 23, as part of the spiritual preparation for Christmas. Each antiphon addresses Christ with a unique title derived from Old Testament prophecies and expresses a longing for the Messiah's coming. Each antiphon is a rich tapestry of theological and scriptural significance, evoking a different aspect of Jesus' role in salvation history. These antiphons not only evoke the Messianic titles for Jesus but also serve as a beautiful meditation on the fulfillment of God’s promises through the coming of Christ. They are:

1. O Sapientia (O Wisdom) - December 17

- "O Wisdom, coming forth from the mouth of the Most High, reaching from one end to the other mightily, and sweetly ordering all things: come and teach us the way of prudence."

2. O Adonai (O Lord) - December 18

- "O Adonai, and Leader of the House of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the burning bush and gave him the Law on Sinai: come to redeem us with an outstretched arm."

3. O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse) - December 19

- "O Root of Jesse, standing as a sign for the people, before whom kings will shut their mouths, whom the nations will seek: come to free us, do not delay."

4. O Clavis David (O Key of David) - December 20

- "O Key of David and Scepter of the House of Israel, you open and no one can shut, you shut and no one can open: come and lead out the prisoner from the prison house, the one who sits in darkness and the shadow of death."

5. O Oriens (O Rising Sun) - December 21

- "O Rising Sun, Splendor of Eternal Light and Sun of Justice: come and illumine those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death."

6. O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations) - December 22

- "O King of the Nations and Desired of all, you are the cornerstone that binds two into one: come and save the human race, which you fashioned from clay."

7. O Emmanuel (O God with Us) - December 23

- "O Emmanuel, our King and Lawgiver, the Hope of the nations and their Savior: come to save us, O Lord our God."

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