December 17
The seven "O Antiphons" " are prayers that come from the Breviary's Vespers during the Octave before Christmas Eve, a time which is called the "Golden Nights." It is believed they were sung as far back as the 5th C. in France.
Each Antiphon begins with "O" and addresses Jesus with a unique title which comes from the prophecies of Isiah and Micah, and whose initials, when read backwards, form an acrostic for the Latin "Ero Cras" which means "Tomorrow I come." Those titles for Christ are:
Sapientia- O Wisdom
Adonai - O Lord of Israel
Radix Jesse - O Root of Jesse
Clavis David - O Key of David
Oriens - O Dayspring (Dawn)
Rex Gentium - O King of the Nations
Emmanuel - O Emmanuel (God is with us)
The Great “O"s not only bring intensity to our Advent preparation, but bring it to a joyful conclusion. As we daily sing these ancient antiphons, you shall all be included in our song! Many Blessings!
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