What's and "O Antiphon" ?!?

 

Basically, it's a psalm, anthem, or verse sung responsively. The church has been singing the "O" Antiphons since at least the eighth century, eventually developing alongside the song "O Come, O Come Emmanuel." These antiphons traditionally accompany evening prayer services during the seven days (December 17-23) leading up to Christmas Eve. They use biblical imagery drawn from the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well. Their repeated use of the imperative "Come!" embodies the longing of all for the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

We do not plan to gather for worship on the seven evenings just before Christmas, but we will be worshipping each Sunday! During these seven weeks leading up to Christmas, as we seek to bring the Light of Jesus deeper into our own hearts and carry the Light of Jesus into the world, our opening prayer will be a modern form of the "O" Antiphons, inviting Jesus Christ to "Come" into our hearts and world.

                    Week 1: O Sapientia

                                  O Wisdom, you came forth from the mouth of the Holy One.

                                  Mighty and sweet your ordering of life: Teach us prudence!

                   Week 2:  O Adonai

                                  O Adonai and Israel's God, your flame brought Moses to his Knees.

                                  Your mountain brought forth Law and Life: Come and redeem us!

                   Week 3:  O Rex gentium

                                  O Ruler of the nations, Desire and longing for the wholeness, come!

                                  We are your creatures, you formed us of earth: Save your people!

                   Week 4:  O radix Jesse

                                  O Root of Jesse, tarry not; Over all your banner waves.

                                  All rulers and nations worship you: Heal the nations!

                   Week 5: O clavis David

                                 O Key of David, sign of might; you tear down bars that hold us fast.

                                 Deliver the captives and free us from death: Burst our prison!

                   Week 6: O Oriens

                                 O Morning star of Righteousness, your light shines brightly in the night.

                                 Dispell our shadows and bring us light: Illumine our darkness!

                   Week 7: O Emmanuel

                                  O God in our midst, Emmanuel, in your salvation comes to earth:

                                  Come rule our lives and make us whole: Come and save us!