The "O" Antiphons

The time from Gaudete Sunday to the Nativity of the Lord, about 8 days this year, is a holy time for me. Older people "often reflect on the many Christmas feasts they have celebrated to realize that they have indeed attained the joys of their salvation. They may become aware that all is gift…” (cf. USCCB). I remember many Advent Sundays and Christmas Feasts, particularly those in religious life, and my deepest meditations have occurred during that time. The "O Antiphons," which are found from 17 to 23 December, refer to the seven antiphons that are recited (or chanted) preceding the Magnificat during Vespers (Evening Prayer) of the Liturgy of the Hours. Secular Franciscans pray the Liturgy of the Hours daily, so they will encounter these meaningful antiphonal phrases. They are listed below and the definitions of these titles of the Lord are a good stimulus for meditation:

• December 17: O WISDOM, who came from the mouth of the Most High, reaching from end to end and ordering all things mightily and sweetly: COME, and teach us the way of prudence. Amen. "O Sapientia..."

• December 18: O LORD AND RULER of the House of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the flame of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai: COME, and redeem us with outstretched arms. Amen. "O Adonai..."

• December 19: O ROOT OF JESSE, that stands for an ensign of the people, before whom the kings keep silence and unto whom the Gentiles shall make supplication: COME, to deliver us, and tarry not. Amen. "O Radix Jesse..."

• December 20: O KEY OF DAVID, and Scepter of the House of Israel, who opens and no man shuts, who shuts and no man opens: COME, and bring forth the captive from his prison, he who sits in darkness and in the shadow of death. Amen. "O Clavis David..."

• December 21: O DAWN OF THE EAST, brightness of light eternal, and Sun of Justice: COME, and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. Amen. "O Oriens..."

• December 22: O KING OF THE GENTILES and their desired One, the Cornerstone that makes both one: COME, and deliver man, whom you formed out of the dust of the earth. Amen. "O Rex..."

• December 23: O EMMANUEL, God with us, Our King and Lawgiver, the expected of the nations and their Saviour: COME to save us, O Lord our God. Amen. "O Emmanuel..."