O Antiphons

"O Antiphons" for the Week before Christmas, Felix Just, SJ: "Most familiar today from the Advent hymn, 'O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,' the seven traditional 'O Antiphons' are actually more than a thousand years old. They have long been used at the very end of Advent (Dec. 17-23) in the liturgical prayer of the Church, as Antiphons for the 'Magnificat' sung or recited during Vespers (the Evening Prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours). Since the Second Vatican Council, they have also been adapted (slightly reworded and rearranged) for the 'Alleluia Verse' of the Mass (the short scriptural text or paraphrase that immediately precedes the Gospel reading). Each Antiphon invokes the coming of the Messiah, beginning with a biblical title and closing with a specific petition."

December 17

O Wisdom of our God Most High,
guiding creation with power and love:
come to teach us the path of knowledge!

December 18

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 Root of Jesse’s stem,
sign of God's love for all his people:
come to save us without delay!

December 20

O Key of David,
opening the gates of God's eternal Kingdom:
come and free the prisoners of darkness!

December 21

O Emmanuel, our King, and Giver of Law:
come to save us, Lord our God!

December 22 & 23

O King of all nations and keystone of the Church:
come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!

December 24, Morning Mass

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!

The Seven Central Titles

There are actually more than seven titles given in the antiphons. These are the titles highlighted in the first line.

• O Wisdom of our God Most High
• O Leader of the House of Israel
• O Root of Jesse’s stem
• O Key of David
• O Emmanuel
• O King of all nations and keystone of the Church
• O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice