At monasteries, the week before Christmas is marked by the singing of the O Antiphons at Vespers. This tradition goes back to at least the 9th century. By the twelfth century, the O Antiphons appeared in the popular Christmas hymn we know today as O Come, O Come Emmanuel.
The Antiphons were originally written in Latin with each day highlighting a different title belonging to the long awaited Messiah. They begin on December 17th with O Sapientia (Wisdom). Then continued each subsequent day with O Adonai (Lord), O Radix Jesse (Root of Jesse), O Clavis David (Key of David), O Oriens (Day Spring), O Rex Gentium (King of the Nations), and finally O Emmanuel on December 23rd. Taking the first letter of these titles in a reverse order forms the acrostic Ero Cras or Tomorrow I will Be (Coming).”
Sr Gertrude offers a reflection for each day of the O Antiphons as we approach the feast of Christmas. Click on the O Antiphon above for more.
Christ is Born! Let us Glorify Him!
