The Great “O” Antiphons As we soon enter into the last part of Advent, the Church has some beautiful antiphons that are used during Evening Prayer from December 17-23. These “O” Antiphons (they receive this title because each antiphon begins with the word, “O”) introduce the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-56) of Evening Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours. They are a “magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well. Their repeated use of the imperative "Come!" embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah.” (see the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ website for more information).
This litany style prayer is based upon these antiphons and could be prayed as a family, beginning on December 17:
Leader: O Wisdom, O holy Word of God, you govern all creation with your strong yet tender care:
ALL: Come and show your people the way to salvation.
Leader: O Sacred Lord of ancient Israel, who showed yourself to Moses in the burning bush, who gave him the holy law on Sinai mountain
ALL: Come, stretch out your mighty hand to set us free.
Leader: O Flower of Jesse's stem, you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples; rulers stand silent in your presence; the nations bow down in worship before you.
ALL: Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.
Leader: O Key of David, O royal power of Israel, controlling at your will the gate of heaven:
ALL: 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.
Leader: O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice:
ALL: Come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.
Leader: O Ruler of all the nations, the only joy of every human heart, O keystone of the mighty arch of humankind:
ALL: Come and save the creature you fashioned from the dust.
Leader: O Emmanuel, ruler and lawgiver, desire of the nations, savior of all people: