The O Antiphons

by Rex Rund

“O come, o come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel.” This most famous of all Advent carols has a fascinating history. The melody stems from a chant at least 600 years old, but the text is even older. This poetry comes from a series of antiphons called the “O Antiphons,” which some scholars believe date back all the way to the 6th century. The O Antiphons are rooted in the Liturgy of the Hours, the official daily prayers of the Church.

Each Advent, December 17 marks the beginning of the final approach toward Christmas. Thus, the O Antiphons begin at vespers (evening prayer) on the 17th. These gems of liturgical prayer are introduced, one each evening, at the praying of the Magnificat, Mary’s great song of praise from the second chapter of Luke’s Gospel. The O Antiphons also appear as the Gospel Acclamation verses at Mass in those same days.

The O Antiphons brilliantly recall scriptural titles of the Messiah, invoking him to come to us quickly. Images drawn from Israel’s salvation history, particularly the book of Isaiah, are peppered richly throughout the antiphons.

Here are the antiphons and their Latin beginnings:

December 17: O Sapientia
“O Wisdom, O holy Word of God, you govern all creation with your strong yet tender care. Come and show your people the way to salvation.”

December 18: O Adonai
“O sacred Lord of ancient Israel, who showed yourself to Moses in the burning bush, who gave him the holy law on Sinai mountain: come, stretch out your mighty hand to set us free.”

December 19: O Radix Jesse
“O Flower of Jesse’s stem, you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples; kings stand silent in your presence; the nations bow down in worship before you. Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.”

December 20: O Clavis David
“O Key of David, O royal Power of Israel controlling at your will the gate of Heaven: Come, break down the prison walls of death for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death; and lead your captive people into freedom.”

December 21: O Oriens
“O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.”

December 22: O Rex Gentium
“O King of all the nations, the only joy of every human heart; O Keystone of the mighty arch of man, come and save the creature you fashioned from the dust.”

December 23: O Emmanuel
“O Emmanuel, king and lawgiver, desire of the nations, Savior of all people, come and set us free, Lord our God.”

 

Now the fun part: the Benedictine monks who composed these antiphons also included a coded message of hope. Take the first letter of the Latin messianic titles in the seven antiphons in order: Sapiens, Adonai, Radix, Clavis, Oriens, Rex, Emmanuel. Now reverse them: E-R-O-C-R-A-S. In Latin, the phrase “Ero cras” means “I will be (there) tomorrow.” So as we complete the acrostic on the final night of our Advent preparations before Christmas Eve, we receive the promise from Christ, our Emmanuel, “I will be there tomorrow!”

Listen for these beautiful O Antiphons in the hymn “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” throughout Advent. Pray them with your family the seven nights before Christmas Eve. If you listen closely to the readings and prayers of Advent, you’ll catch images from the O Antiphons calling out all over. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel! Who knows – maybe tomorrow!