The "O Antiphons" are an ancient tradition in the Church to meditate on the various names of Jesus. They are sung or said during the Divine Office prayers in the week leading up to the Nativity of Our Lord (Christmas). Each antiphon has a symbol associated with it and usually they are seen as banners hanging in churches during Advent. I made some banners for the RE hallway this year, I hope you saw them. They will still be up when you return January 4th. Here are the Antiphons and a short meditation and scripture reference for each one.

Dec. 17 - O WISDOM, who came 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.
Sirach 24:2; Wisdom 8:1. Symbols: oil lamp, open book.

Dec. 18 - O LORD AND RULER (ADONAI) of the House of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the flame of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai: Come, and redeem us with outstretched arm.
Exodus 3:2, 20:1. Symbols: burning bush, stone tablets.

Dec. 19 - O ROOT OF JESSE, who stands for an ensign of the people, before whom kings shall keep silence and unto whom the Gentiles shall make supplication: Come to deliver us, and tarry not.
Isaiah 11:1-3. Symbol: vine or plant with flower (especially a rose).

Dec. 20 - O KEY OF DAVID, and Scepter of the House of Israel, who opens and no man shuts, who shuts and no man opens: Come, and bring forth the captive from his prison, he who sits in darkness and in the shadow of death.
Isaiah 22:22. Symbols: key; broken chains.

Dec. 21 - O DAWN OF THE EAST, brightness of the light eternal, and Sun of Justice: Come, and enlighten them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.
Psalm 19:6-7. Symbol: rising sun.

Dec. 22 - O KING OF THE GENTILES and their desired One, the Cornerstone that makes both one: Come, and deliver man, whom You formed out of the dust of the earth.
Psalm 2:7-8, Ephesians 2:14-20. Symbols, Crown, scepter.

Dec. 23 - O EMMANUEL, God with us, our King and Lawgiver, the expected of the nations and their Savior: Come to save us, O Lord our God.
Isaiah 7:14; 33:22. Symbols: tablets of stone, Chalice and Host.


The Latin for each name of Jesus, in order, are O Sapientia, O Adonai, O Radix Jesse, O Clavis David, O Oriens, O Rex Gentium, O Emmanuel. When the first letter of each is put in backwards order the Latin words Ero Cras is spelled out. "Ero Cras" translates into "Tomorrow, I will come!" So, the monks who are believed to have started this tradition in the 7th or 8th centuries had a purpose in the order of their praise for Jesus' names. They lead us through the last few days of waiting in expectation for our Saviour, and then conclude with the triumphant phrase, "Tomorrow, I will come!" What a beautiful way to prepare the way of the Lord, as John the Baptist exhorts us to do.

You can download a copy of similar prayers by clicking on "O Antiphons" on the Blog homepage. May the joy of Christmas and the Blessings of the Babe be with all of you! Enjoy your time off with your families and we'll see y'all on January 4!