A LOTH Advent question

[Della]

Just a quick simple question so my dh and I can better understand and participate more fully in our Advent prayers. Why do we pray a different Invitatory Antiphon starting Dec. 17? What is special about that time until Dec. 24? Thanks for all your kind replies.

 

[porthos11]

Just a quick simple question so my dh and I can better understand and participate more fully in our Advent prayers. Why do we pray a different Invitatory Antiphon starting Dec. 17? What is special about that time until Dec. 24? Thanks for all your kind replies.

Advent prior to December 17th focuses more on the second Coming of Christ at the end of time, and by extension, our own personal Second Coming at the hour of our own deaths.

December 17-24 are more of a preparation for the celebration of his First Coming, which is why the character of the texts change slightly from a more eschatological to a more Christmas-like character.

 

[Luigi_Daniele]

Advent prior to December 17th focuses more on the second Coming of Christ at the end of time, and by extension, our own personal Second Coming at the hour of our own deaths.

December 17-24 are more of a preparation for the celebration of his First Coming, which is why the character of the texts change slightly from a more eschatological to a more Christmas-like character.

Thanks for the explanation!

 

[Della]

Advent prior to December 17th focuses more on the second Coming of Christ at the end of time, and by extension, our own personal Second Coming at the hour of our own deaths.

December 17-24 are more of a preparation for the celebration of his First Coming, which is why the character of the texts change slightly from a more eschatological to a more Christmas-like character.

Thanks your great answer. I was wondering why the 17th as opposed to another date. Is it because it falls 7 days before Christmas? Thanks again.

 

[Usige]

Thanks your great answer. I was wondering why the 17th as opposed to another date. Is it because it falls 7 days before Christmas? Thanks again.

Yes, it’s because we enter the octave leading up to the nativity. This is the time of the O antiphons. One thing I always remember is that if you take the first letter of the latin version of the antiphons after O and write them down from the 23rd to the 17th (i.e. reverse order) you spell the latin phrase Ero Cras, which can be translated as “tomorrow I come”. So the 7 O antiphons in the octave point to the nativity and the Christmas vigil. Not sure if it was intentional but always one of those little hidden nuggets I like to stubble across in the liturgy.

 

[Della]

Yes, it’s because we enter the octave leading up to the nativity. This is the time of the O antiphons.

Thanks. I thought that must be it. Most of what I’ve learned about practicing my Catholic faith (since being received nearly 25 years ago) I’ve had to piece together, getting my info here and there. But that’s a topic for another thread.

One thing I always remember is that if you take the first letter of the latin version of the antiphons after O and write them down from the 23rd to the 17th (i.e. reverse order) you spell the latin phrase Ero Cras, which can be translated as “tomorrow I come”. So the 7 O antiphons in the octave point to the nativity and the Christmas vigil. Not sure if it was intentional but always one of those little hidden nuggets I like to stubble across in the liturgy.

I’d never have thought of doing that. It is interesting, though. Thanks for sharing this insight. :tiphat: A blessed Octave to you and yours.