What are the O Antiphons?

The O Antiphons are a series of seven short prayers that are sung or recited at Vespers (Evening Prayer) during the last seven days of Advent, from December 17 to December 23. Each antiphon addresses Christ using a different biblical title, drawn from the Old Testament prophecies, which foretold the coming of the Messiah.

Each antiphon begins with the invocation “O” and is followed by a name for Christ, such as “Wisdom,” “Lord,” or “Root of Jesse,” and concludes with a plea for the Messiah to come and save His people. These titles are rich in Old Testament symbolism, each highlighting a different aspect of Christ’s divine nature and mission. The O Antiphons also serve as a sort of spiritual countdown to Christmas, focusing on the anticipation of Christ's arrival.

The Seven O Antiphons

1. O Sapientia (O Wisdom)
   “O Wisdom, who came forth from the mouth of the Most High, reaching from end to end, and ordering all things mightily and sweetly: come and teach us the way of prudence.”
   This first antiphon calls upon Christ as the divine Wisdom, the Logos who orders the cosmos and guides humanity in wisdom and understanding. It reflects the prophecy of Isaiah 11:2, where the Spirit of the Lord is described as giving wisdom.

2. O Adonai (O Lord)
   “O Adonai and leader of the house of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush, and gave him the law on Sinai: come and with outstretched arm redeem us.”
   This antiphon recalls God’s covenant with Israel and His appearance to Moses. It refers to Christ as the Lord who leads His people, drawing on the Exodus story where God liberated Israel from slavery.

3. O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse)
   “O Root of Jesse, who stands as an ensign to the people, before whom kings will shut their mouths, to whom the nations will seek: come and deliver us, and tarry not.”
   This antiphon highlights Christ’s descent from the line of David, referring to the prophecy in Isaiah 11:1 about a shoot growing from the stump of Jesse, the father of David. It affirms Christ as the promised heir of David’s throne.

4. O Clavis David (O Key of David)
   “O Key of David and scepter of the house of Israel, you open and no one shuts; you shut and no one opens: come and bring the prisoners out of the prison house, those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.”
   This antiphon reflects Christ’s power to unlock the gates of heaven and free humanity from the chains of sin. It alludes to Isaiah 22:22, where the key to the house of David is given to the royal steward.

5. O Oriens (O Dayspring)
   “O Dayspring, Brightness of the Light Eternal and Sun of Justice: come and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.”
   Christ is referred to here as the light of the world, echoing the prophecy in Malachi 4:2, where the “Sun of Righteousness” will rise. This antiphon invites Christ to dispel the darkness of sin and bring light into the world.

6. O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations)
   “O King of the Nations, and their Desire, the Cornerstone making both one: come and save the human race, which you fashioned from clay.”
   In this antiphon, Christ is recognized as the universal King and the desire of all nations. It draws from the prophecy in Haggai 2:7 and affirms the unity of humanity under Christ’s reign, as the one who reconciles all peoples.

7. O Emmanuel (O Emmanuel, God with us)
   “O Emmanuel, our King and Lawgiver, the Hope of the Nations and their Savior: come and save us, O Lord our God.”
   The final antiphon proclaims Christ as Emmanuel, “God with us,” a title given in Isaiah 7:14 and fulfilled in the birth of Jesus. This is the culmination of the O Antiphons, as it brings the focus to Christ’s Incarnation, His coming to be with His people.

Theological Significance of the O Antiphons

Each of the O Antiphons reveals a different dimension of Christ’s identity and mission, providing a rich theological reflection on the meaning of Advent and Christmas. The titles are deeply rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures, showing that the arrival of Jesus is the fulfillment of long-awaited promises. They highlight His wisdom, authority, compassion, and sovereignty.

Furthermore, the O Antiphons are a call for the Messiah to come and deliver His people, which ties in beautifully with the themes of Advent: waiting, expectation, and preparation. As we reflect on these titles, we are reminded of the urgency of the salvation Christ offers and the hope that His coming brings.

The O Antiphons and “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”

The O Antiphons have had a lasting impact on Christian hymnody, most notably in the well-loved Advent hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” Each verse of the hymn corresponds to one of the O Antiphons, providing a musical reflection on the ancient prayers. The hymn is a beautiful example of how the Church has preserved these antiphons through the centuries, using them not only as a tool for prayer but also as a way to express the longing and hope of Advent in song.

Conclusion

The O Antiphons are more than just ancient prayers; they are a window into the heart of Advent. They offer us a profound way to engage with the mystery of Christ’s coming, each one unveiling a different aspect of who Jesus is and why His coming into the world is so vital for our salvation. As we enter the final days of Advent, the O Antiphons invite us to deepen our anticipation for Christ’s birth, filling our hearts with hope, wonder, and awe at the love of God made manifest in the child of Bethlehem.