O Antiphons

The “O” Antiphons

Most Catholics are familiar with the Advent hymn, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” But they often don’t know that this hymn is based on seven ancient prayers of the Church dating back to the fourth century—that’s over 1,500 years ago—and have been sung during the season of Advent since the eighth century.

An antiphon is a verse of prayer, a short sentence sung or recited before or after a psalm or canticle (sung prayer). The O Antiphons were composed in the seventh or eighth century when monks put together prophesies from the Old Testament which looked forward to the coming of Christ. Each of the seven antiphons gives voice to the hope of the Saviour's coming. The seven different titles for Jesus are mainly taken from the book of the prophet Isaiah. The first antiphon starts with the beginning, before creation, and the last ends in the town of Bethlehem—in the stable with Mary and Joseph.

Each of the seven O Antiphons follows the same pattern: each begins with a heartfelt request of the expected Messiah, followed by praise of him under one of his particular titles. Each ends with a petition for God's people, relevant to the title by which he is addressed, and the cry for him to "Come.” As Christmas approaches the cry becomes more urgent.

Each antiphon is assigned to a specific day—one each for the seven days preceding Christmas.

December 17 - Sapientia Altissimi

O Wisdom of the Most High,

ordering all things with strength and gentleness;

come and teach us the way of true knowledge.

December 18 - Dux domus Israel

O Adonai and Ruler of the House of Israel,

who gave the law to Moses on Sinai;

come and redeem us with outstretched arm.

December 19 - Radix Iesse

O Root of Jesse,

set up as a sign to the peoples;

come to set us free, and delay no more.

December 20 - Clavis David

O Key of David,

who opens the gates of the eternal kingdom;

come and lead from prison the captive sitting in darkness.

December 21

O Radiant Dawn,

splendour of eternal light, sun of justice:

come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the

shadow of death.

December 22

O King of all nations and keystone of the Church:

come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!

December 23 - Emmanuel

O Emmanuel, our lawgiver and king;

come and save us, O Lord our God.