These antiphons are seven short sentences used from December 17-23 that gradually build our expectation as we approach Christmas. Traditionally, antiphons are prayed before and after a psalm or canticle. These antiphons use biblical imagery to proclaim titles of Christ and conclude with asking him to “come” in a particular way, expressing our longing and anticipation for his birth. Because each begins with “O,” they are referred to as the O Antiphons.

Christ is addressed with these different messianic titles:

• O Sapientia (Wisdom)
• O Adonai (Lord and Ruler)
• O Radix Jesse (Root of Jesse)
• O Clavis David (Key of David)
• O Oriens (Dawn of the East)
• O Rex Gentium (King of the Gentiles)
• O Emmanuel (God with Us)

Originally in Latin, these titles have an additional meaning. When read backward, the first letter of each title together forms the Latin acrostic “ERO CRAS” which translates to “Tomorrow, I will come.” This adds a deep meaning that further accentuates our excited anticipation for Christ’s coming on Christmas, when the O Antiphons have concluded.

The O Antiphons are used in conjunction with the Canticle of Mary (the Magnificat), which is prayed during Evening Prayer each day. Evening Prayer is one part of the Liturgy of the Hours, the official prayer of the Church that consists of a structured set of psalms, hymns, readings, and prayers that are recited at specific times of the day. Clergy and religious have an obligation to pray the Liturgy of the Hours daily, and laypeople are encouraged to do so as well.

These O Antiphons may be familiar even for those who do not pray the Liturgy of the Hours. With different phrasing, they appear in the verses of the beloved Advent hymn “O Come O Come Emmanuel.” Those who attend daily Mass during these days will also hear many of them used as the Gospel Acclamations with the Alleluia.

The O Antiphons offer a beautiful opportunity to enter more deeply into the final days of the Advent season. Consider reading the antiphon for each day and carrying its message it in your thoughts and prayers throughout the day, inviting Christ to come into your heart in the expressed way. If you do not currently pray the Liturgy of the Hours, this season is a wonderful time to begin with praying Evening Prayer each day until Christmas.

The full antiphons are provided below:

December 17

O Wisdom of our God Most High,

Guiding creation with power and love:

come to teach us the path of knowledge!

December 18

O Leader of the House of Israel,

giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai:

come to rescue us with your mighty power!

December 19

O Root of Jesse’s stem,

sign of God’s love for all his people:

come to save us without delay!

December 20

O Key of David,

opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom:

come and free the prisoners of darkness!

December 21

O Radiant Dawn,

splendor 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

O Emmanuel

come to save us, Lord our God!

For the full texts of Evening Prayer, click here.