O Antiphons: O Emmanuel

The Nativity, Schongauer

O Emmanuel: 

“O Emmanuel, 

king and lawgiver,

desire of the nations, 

Savior of all people, 

come and set us free, Lord our God.”

O Antiphons: O Rex Gentium

O Rex Gentium:

“O King of all the nations, 

the only joy of every human heart; 

O Keystone of the mighty arch of man,

come and save the creature you fashioned from the dust.”

O Antiphons: O Oriens

The Resurrection, Veronese 

O Oriens: 

“O Radiant Dawn,

splendor of eternal light,  sun of justice: 

come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.”

O Antiphons: O Clavis David

Christ Freeing the Captives, The Chora Museum

O Clavis David: 

 O Key of David, 

O royal Power of Israel controlling at your will the gate of Heaven:

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.

O Antiphons: O Radix Jesse

The Jesse Tree

O Radix Jesse: 

O Flower of Jesse’s stem,

you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples; 

kings stand silent in your presence;

the nations bow down in worship before you.

Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.

O Antiphons: O Adonai

Christ Pantocrator

O Adonai: 

O sacred Lord of ancient Israel, 

who showed yourself to Moses in the burning bush, 

who gave him the holy law on Sinai mountain: 

come, stretch out your mighty hand to set us free.

O Antiphons: O Sapientia

Christ the Wisdom of God Icon

O Sapientia:

 

O Wisdom, O holy Word of God, 

you govern all creation with your strong yet tender care.

Come and show your people the way to salvation.

     Today the Church begins to pray the Great "O" Antiphons at Evening Prayer.  Let us meditate on the glory and mercy of our soon-to-come Lord.  Prepare your hearts, the Bridegroom comes!