O Antiphons: An Ancient Advent Tradition
An antiphon is a short liturgical verse, often from Scripture, sung or recited before and after a psalm, hymn, or canticle to set its theme or context, creating a responsive "sounding against" the main text, popular in Christian worship (Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican) for services like the Mass, particularly during Advent (the "O Antiphons") or for specific feasts, guiding the prayer's meaning.
The Roman Church has been singing the "O Antiphons” since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23. They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well. Their repeated use of the imperative "Come!" embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah.
During the final days of Advent, anticipation heightens as the birth of the Savior draws nearer. This anticipation is marked by something special in the prayers of the Liturgy of the Hours. So what is this special something? The "O Antiphons."
The antiphons of Evening Prayer which we see in the week before Christmas welcome the birth of the Savior by heralding one of His resplendent Biblical titles along with a special petition related to that title. It is a liturgical tradition that was started in the earliest centuries of the Church—one that has continued to the present day in monasteries and convents, and even in the homes of the Catholic faithful who make portions of the Divine Office part of their daily prayers. One might recognize these antiphons from the beautiful Advent hymn "O Come O Come Emmanuel."
Each “O Antiphon” (7) emphasizes a unique prophetic title of the soon-to-be-born King of Kings, as foreshadowed in the Old Testament by the prophet Isaiah: Wisdom, Lord of Israel, Root of Jesse, Key of David, Radiant Dawn, King of All Nations, and Emmanuel. Additionally, the ancient monks who first assembled the “O Antiphons” were very creative with the order in which they were prayed. If you take the first letter of each antiphon (in the Latin) and read them from last to first, the word ERO CRAS is spelled, which translates: "Tomorrow I will come."
O Wisdom (O Sapientia) – Dec. 17: 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.
O Lord of Israel (O Adonai) – Dec. 18: 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.
O Root of Jesse (O Radix Jesse) – Dec. 19: O Root of Jesse, 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.
O Key of David (O Clavis David) – Dec. 20: 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.
O Radiant Dawn (O Oriens) – Dec. 21: O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: Come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.
O King of All Nations (O Rex Gentium) – Dec. 22: 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.
O Emmanuel (O Emmanuel) – Dec. 23: O Emmanuel, king and lawgiver, desire of the nations, Savior of all people: Come and set us free, Lord our God.
“O Antiphon” is a prayer of the Church reflecting on these words, preparing for Christmas day by day.
—Deacon Gerry Flamm
“Dear children! In this time of grace, I am calling you to follow me. Pray for those who do not pray and do not want peace and joy, which only the Most High can give. May your souls be united in the joy of expectancy and your heart will be filled with peace. You will be convinced, little children, that all will be good and that God will bless all; because the good that you give will return to you, and joy will enfold your heart because you are with God and in God. Thank you for having responded to my call.”
