Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Advent in Symbols: The “O” Antiphons


One symbolic practice that I found especially interesting is the practice of praying or singing the O Antiphons. The O Antiphons are recited during the final days of Advent during evening prayer (Vespers). You may have noticed that the first of these was posted last night, “O Wisdom.” This practice began in the 7th Century and continues today in many traditions. Each antiphon is in response to the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) and serves as affirmations of faith and longing in the face of doubts.

The antiphons are as follows:

December 17: O Sapientia (O Wisdom)
December 18: O Adonai (O Lord)
December 19: O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse)
December 20: O Clavis David (O Key of David)
December 21: O Oriens (O Dayspring)
December 22: O Rex Gentium (O King of the nations)
December 23: O Emmanuel (O God with us)

We will post these prayers on each respective day. I hope you will join us as we pray these faithful words in anticipation of Christ’s coming!

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