The Great Os

The last week of Advent each year brings the joy of the Great O Antiphons in the Liturgy of the Hours, as the Ecclesia Romana turns from the contemplation of the Second Coming of Our Lord at the end of time to His appearance in Bethlehem in the fulness of time (Ephesians 1:10).

Six prophetic titles prefiguring Christ are used in the Antiphon for the Gospel Canticle of the Magnificat in the Office of Vespers each evening. The same theme is utilized for the Gospel Acclamation of the Mass. Since Vespers of December 24th is First Vespers of Christmas there is no O Antiphon for that day.

December 17: 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.

December 18: O Adonai 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.

December 19: 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.

December 20: 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.

December 21: O Rising Sun, you are the splendor of eternal light and the sun of justice. O come and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.

December 22: O King whom all the prophets desire, you are the cornerstone which makes all one. O come and save man whom you made from clay.

December 23: O Immanuel, you are our king and judge, the One whom the people await and their Savior. O come and save us, Lord, our God.

[From the British translation of the Roman Office]

For a beautiful article on this subject, see Advent in Music, Seven Antiphons All Worth Discovering Again by Sandra Magister.


O Mary, Seat of Wisdom, pray for us!

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