The ‘O’ Antiphons

Today, Advent moves up a gear, as we enter into the octave before Christmas.   Here’s an excerpt from this Sunday’s preface:

In his love Christ has filled us with joy

as we prepare to celebrate his birth,

so that when he comes he may find us watching in prayer,

our hearts filled with wonder and praise.

‘Watching in prayer, our hearts filled with wonder and praise‘ -  how?  The Church leads us through this octave with her exceptionally beautiful liturgy.  Those who are able to go to Mass on a daily basis are carried through this octave on the wings of the Old Testament prophesies and the infancy narratives.  Although most of us don’t have that privilege, we can still tap into the liturgy of the Mass or the Hours at home*.  Have you noticed that in the bulletin, from today, each day has a little ‘O’ phrase beside it?  Those are the Antiphons for the Magnificat used each day during Evening Prayer (vespers).  I’ve lifted the antiphons from there and laid them out below.  I think they can stand alone as a daily reflection.  Just find five minutes of ‘interior and exterior peace’ (as we were taught at school)  and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you.   Read the antiphon slowly.  Ask, what does it mean?  What does it mean for me, today?  Are there particular causes that need my prayer?  Perhaps it brings to mind someone who could use my help or company?  Remember to listen to the still, small voice of calm.  And pray, ‘Come Lord; do not delay’.

17^th December

O Wisdom, you come forth from the mouth of the Most High.  You fill the universe and hold all things together in a strong yet gentle manner.  O come to teach us the way of truth.

18^th December

O Adonai [Lord] and leader of Israel, you appeared to Moses in a burning bush and you gave him the Law on Sinai. O come and save us with your mighty power.

19^th December

O stock of Jesse, you stand as a signal for the nations; kings fall silent before you whom the peoples acclaim.  O come to deliver us, and do not delay.

20^th December

O key of David and sceptre of Israel, what you open no one else can close again; what you close no one can open.  O come to lead the captive from prison; free those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.

21^st December

O Rising Sun, you are the splendour of eternal light and the sun of justice.  O come and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.

22^nd December

O King whom all the peoples desire, you are the cornerstone which makes all one.  O come and save man whom you made from clay.

23^rd December

O Emmanuel, you are our king and judge, the One whom the peoples await and their Saviour.  O come and save us Lord, our God.

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*Just a quick note: If you don’t have the appropriate liturgical volumes at home, you can find readings for Mass, liturgy of the hours and the office of readings at Universalis Today.