o antiphons
DESCRIPTION
These seven ancient antiphons, which invoke the coming Messiah under a different title each evening, are the basis for the verses of the well-known hymn "O Come Emmanuel." The seven antiphons, each beginning with a different prophetic title are: O SAPIENTIA (O WISDOM, coming forth from the mouth of the Most High, reaching from one end to the other, mightily and sweetly ordering all things: Come and teach us the way of prudence.) O ADONAI (O LORD, and leader of the House of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai: Come and redeem us with an outstretched arm.) O RADIX JESSE (O ROOT OF JESSE standing as a sign among the peoples; before you kings will shut their mouths, to you the nations will make their prayer: Come and deliver us, and delay no longer.) O CLAVIS DAVID (O KEY OF DAVID and sceptre of the House of Israel; you open and no one can shut; you shut and no one can open: Come and lead the prisoners from the prison house, those whoTRANSCRIPT
Standing on our Musical Tiptoesby Father Denis Meade
O Wisdom of our God Most High,guiding creation with power and love:come to teach us the path of knowledge!
O Leader of the House of Israel,giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai:come to rescue us with your mighty power!
O Root of Jesse’s stem,sign of God’s love for all his people:come to save us without delay!
O Key of David,opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom:come and free the prisoners of darkness!
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.
O King of all nations and keystone of the Church:come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!
O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law:come to save us, Lord our God!
D e c e m b e r 1 7
D e c e m b e r 1 8
D e c e m b e r 1 9
D e c e m b e r 2 0
D e c e m b e r 2 1
D e c e m b e r 2 2
D e c e m b e r 2 3
Sapientia
Adonai
Radix
Clavis
Oriens
Rex
Emmanuel
Please join the monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey in praying the O Antiphons in preparation for Christmas.
23Society of St. Benedict