Markham Lutheran Church: Baptized to serve.
The Great O Antiphons
The Church has been singing the "O" Antiphons since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23. They use ancient biblical imagery of the Messiah drawn from the Old Testament, especially the Book of Isaiah, to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment of the hopes of God's people of every age. Their repeated use of the imperative "Come!" embodies the longing of all for the Messiah.
December 17, O Sapientia (O Wisdom)
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.
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December 18, O Adonai (O Lord)
O Adonai 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
outstretched arm and redeem us.
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December 19, O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse)
O Root of Jesse, standing as an ensign
before the peoples, before whom all kings are mute,
to whom the nations will do homage:
Come quickly to deliver us.
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December 20, O Clavis David (O Key of David)
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 the shadow of death.
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December 21, O Oriens (O Dawn of the East)
O Dayspring, splendor of light everlasting:
Come and enlighten those who sit in darkness
and in the shadow of death.
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December 22, O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations)
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.
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December 23, O Emmanuel
O Emmanuel, our king and our Lord, the
anointed for the nations and their Savior:
Come and save us, O Lord our God.
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