An Advent tradition from the 8th century to prepare for the ever-closer arrival of Jesus, Christ our Lord, anew in the world and in our hearts is to say the “O Antiphons” in the days leading to Christmas Day beginning with December 17th (yesterday).
Monasteries around the world make their solemn entrance into the last week of preparation before Christmas with the great O Antiphons sung as the antiphon for the Magnificat. These beautiful antiphons, pregnant with meaning
Each Antiphon begins by proclaiming the names of our Messiah found in the Old Testament—Wisdom, Lord, Root of Jesse, Key of David, Radiant Dawn, King of Nations and Emmanuel. The names remind us of the rich blessings of our Savior to the world.
Perhaps you would like to say the antiphon for the day before your evening meal. It is a particularly joyful ritual to say with children. After saying the “O Antiphon” you can talk about what the name might mean.
Monasteries around the world make their solemn entrance into the last week of preparation before Christmas with the great O Antiphons sung as the antiphon for the Magnificat. These beautiful antiphons, pregnant with meaning
Each Antiphon begins by proclaiming the names of our Messiah found in the Old Testament—Wisdom, Lord, Root of Jesse, Key of David, Radiant Dawn, King of Nations and Emmanuel. The names remind us of the rich blessings of our Savior to the world.
Perhaps you would like to say the antiphon for the day before your evening meal. It is a particularly joyful ritual to say with children. After saying the “O Antiphon” you can talk about what the name might mean.
December 17 – COME, O WISDOM
The Wisdom of God created all that exist. Let us try to treat every person as a child of God.
December 18 – COME, O LORD
O Adonai, 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
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 Lord, fill our hearts with the fire of Your Love so that we might obey You in all things, and attain, at last, our true home in heaven.
Dominican Life on Lotus Lane 