December 17 - 24: O Antiphons

[The_Reginator]

When I was young and first became aware of Advent as commemorated the Anglicans the hymn that stood out was, of course, the ancient hymn O Come, O Come Emmanuel.

Even after converting to the Church I still sung this hymn all through Advent. In the last few years our choirs have stopped singing it. I now know why. Actually I heard about these antiphons a few years ago but since I came across this on line I thought I’d share it. (I wish I would have gotten around to it a few days ago!)

From
O Antiphons - December 17 - 24

December 17 marks the beginning of the “O” Antiphons, the seven jewels of our liturgy, dating back to the fourth century, one for each day until Christmas Eve. These antiphons address Christ with seven magnificent Messianic titles, based on the Old Testament prophecies and types of Christ. The Church recalls the variety of the ills of man before the coming of the Redeemer.

The “O” Antiphons are the verses for the ancient hymn O Come, O Come Emmanuel. The first letter of the Messianic titles: Emmanuel, Rex, Oriens, Clavis, Radix, Adonai, Sapientia—spell out Latin words ERO CRAS, meaning, “Tomorrow, I will come.”

The antiphons are part of the evening prayer of the Divine Office, the antiphon before and after the Magnificat. They are also the alleluia verse before the Gospel at Mass.

To reinforce this devotion, your family could prepare an “O” Antiphon House, a little cardboard house with nine hinged windows (two extra for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day), each hiding the appropriate symbol for the “O” Antiphon of the day. Each window can be opened at the end of family evening prayers, as the corresponding verse to “O Come, Emmanuel” is sung.

 

[Statius]

Thank you for this reminder of the beautiful O Antiphons. I have only discovered them in the last couple of years, as I have only recently become a Christian and I love the anticipation they encapsulate.

We sang “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” this morning at Mass, and again at our carol service this evening. Why is it that your choir has stopped singing it?

 

[pollycarp]

Like Statius, I also recently discovered. What wonderful, beautiful traditions, prayers and music the Church has. I wish I would have known more about them growing up.

 

[The_Reginator]

Thank you for this reminder of the beautiful O Antiphons. I have only discovered them in the last couple of years, as I have only recently become a Christian and I love the anticipation they encapsulate.

We sang “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” this morning at Mass, and again at our carol service this evening. Why is it that your choir has stopped singing it?

They haven’t stopped singing it. They have only stopped singing it throughout Advent. This Sunday, being the 18th, we sang at least three verses.

Have a blessed Christmas!!
:christmastree1:

 

[Statius]

Oh, I understand! Yes, it’s good to save it until the 17th.