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O-Antiphons: a part of the traditional preparations for the
coming of the Christ
The O-Antiphons have been immortalized
in part in the traditional Advent hymn, "O come, O
come, Emmanuel." They represent some of the Old
Testament's prophesies and "names" for the coming
Christ. Here is the entire list of these O-Antiphons in an
ancient prayer form, representing the hope and anticipation
we have for the Messiah.
O Wisdom, proceeding from the
mouth of the Most High, pervading and permeating all
creation, mightily ordering all things: Come and teach us
the way of prudence.
O Lord of Might and Ruler of
the house of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the burning
bush and gave him the Law on Sinai: Come with an
outstreched arm and redeem us.
O Root of Jesse, who stand
for an Ensign of the peoples, before whom the nations will
do homage: Come quickly to deliver us.
O Key of David and Scepter of
the house of Israel, you open and no one can close, you
close and no one can open: Come and rescue the prisoners
who are in darkness and in the shadow of death.
O Dayspring, Splendor of
Light everlasting: Come and enlighten those who sit in
darkness and in the shadow of death.
O King of the nations, the
Ruler they long for, the Cornerstone uniting all people:
Come and save us all, whom you formed out of clay.
O Emmanuel, our King and our
Lord, the Anointed for the nations and their Savior: Come
and save us, O Lord our God.
The O-Antiphons were prayed, one each
day, Dec. 17-23, in anticipation of the Eve of Christ's
birth.
Interestingly, if you take the first
letter of each antiphon (in a different order) from their
original Latin:
Emmanuel
Radix (root of Jesse)
Oriens (rising dawn)
Clavis (key of David)
Rex (king of the nations)
Adonai (Lord of might)
Sepientia (wisdom)
= EROCRAS = "I'll be there
tomorrow"
We will be there tomorrow to welcome
our Savior, the Christ.
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