Today the O Antiphons begin. Part of the Church’s Advent prayer for at least 12 centuries, they employ seven images from the prophet Isaiah to engage us with the names and attributes of the Holy One whose coming (Advent) we await. Originally sung before and after the Magnifcat at evensong, I find them a provocative way to pray during these final days before Christmas.
There is one antiphon for each day from December 17 to December 23. Copy them on seven slips of paper, and put each day’s antiphon on a mirror, refrigerator, dashboard, screen or bedpost. Carry it with you during the day. Pray it at dawn, noon, sunset and night, in the midst of activity and the midst of quiet, in solitude and in the company of others. Each antiphon is both greeting and supplication to God who comes to give us life:
O Sapientia, O Adonai, O Radix Jesse, O Clavis David, O Oriens, O Rex Gentium, O Emmanuel … O … O … O …
O is such an evocative word. We use it when we come upon something outside ourselves, often unexpected; something that engages us face to face.
- “O” can be an inhalation, a gasp, the cry of astonishment at the heart of every encounter with the Holy. If God called to us out of a burning bush, our first response might well be “O!”
- There is also the O of understanding, or recognition: O, now I see, now I get it. Or even: O, it’s you!
- And then there is the ecstatic O, expressing delight, wonder, the sigh of intimacy: Ohhhhhhhh!
Each of these is a fitting response when we meet the divine:
Astonishment
Recognition
Intimacy
You can find both the original Latin texts and English translations online. The best known paraphrase of the Antiphons is the hymn, “O come, O come, Emmanuel.” The following are my own variations. Use whatever version suits you best, or write your own.
(Dec. 17) O Sophia, you are the truth of harmonious form, the pattern of existence, the shapeliness of love. Come, illumine us, enable us, empower us to live in your Wisdom, your Torah, your Way.
(Dec. 18) O Adonai, ruler of time and history, manifestation of divine purpose to your chosen people, may your presence be our burning bush. Come, bring justice to the poor, food to the hungry, shelter to the homeless, protection to the vulnerable, freedom to the prisoner.
(Dec. 19) O Root of Jesse, coming to flower in Jesus, who in turn bears fruit in all who are grafted into the royal line of God’s family. Come, let us never be severed from the roots and branches that nourish us in every moment.
(Dec. 20) O Key of David, you unlock our hearts. Come, lead us out of the prisons that oppress body, mind, and soul; welcome us into the open freedom of possibility.
(Dec. 21) O Dayspring, bright splendor of the light eternal, illumining all things with Love’s radiance. Come, enlighten those who sit in darkness, who dwell in the shadow of death.
(Dec. 22) O Desire of all nations and peoples, you are the strong force that draws us toward you, the pattern which choreographs creation to Love’s bright music. Come, show us how we may dance with you.
(Dec. 23) O Emmanuel, you show us the face of divinity; you reveal the fullness of our humanity. Come, enable us to become who we are.
Excerpt from The Rev. Lael Sorensen’s Christmas Message