Do you pray the Evening Prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours? If you do, you will notice that from December 17 to 23, the “O Antiphons” precede the Magnificat. What are the seven “O antiphons”?
• December 17 – O Sapientia. O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love: come to teach us the path of knowledge.
• December 18 – O Adonai. O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come to rescue us with your mighty power.
• December 19 – O Radix Jesse. O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: come to save us without delay.
• December 20 – O Clavis David. O Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness.
• December 21 – O Oriens. O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death.
• December 22 – O Rex Gentium. O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: come and save man, whom you formed from the dust.
• December 23 – O Emmanuel: O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law: come to save us, Lord our God.
Except for “O Oriens”, the “O Antiphons” are also the Gospel Verses at Mass from December 17 to 23. The Gospel verses are as follows:
December 17 – O Sapientia
December 18 – O Adonai
December 19 – O Radix Jesse
December 20 – O Clavis David
December 21 – O Emmanuel
December 22 and 23 – O Rex Gentium
What if you don’t pray the Liturgy of the Hours nor come to daily Mass? Sing and pray “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”and you will pray and sing the “O Antiphons” which are actually the title of the Lord Jesus. Happy Advent!
