Elena 
When Mr. Pete and I reconverted to our Catholic faith, we took baby steps in reclaiming our Catholic heritage and culture. During the Advent/Christmas season, we started by having an Advent Wreath and progressed to a Jesse Tree, and then finally to praying Vespers and the O Antiphons.
So What are the O Antiphons
- Antiphons are prayers from the Psalms, selected for a specific day in the liturgical year. They are tools that help us to pray the scriptures and have a greater understanding.
- The O Antiphons specifically start on December 17 annually. They are part of the Liturgy of the Hours that many Christians pray throughout the year. The antiphons date back to the seventh or eighth century.
- The antiphons are chanted or recited with Evening Prayer, just before the Magnificate. They are also the Alleluia verse at the mass.
- Each Antiphon starts with the word “O” and includes a different scriptural image through the Old Testament, all imploring the Messiah to come.
“They seem to sum up all our Advent longing as they paint in vivid terms the wretched condition of mankind and his need of a Savior.”
Elsa Chaney in Twelve Days of Christmas.
5. Each of the seven antiphons addresses Christ by one of his titles: O Sapientia (O Wisdom), O Adonai (O Lord), O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse), O Clavis David (O Key of David), O Oriens (O Rising Sun), O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations), and O Emmanuel.
6. Each title also refers to a prophecy of Isiah on the coming of the Messiah.
The 7 “O Antiphons”
7. O Wisdom.
December 17:
O Wisdom that comest out of the mouth of the Most High, that reachest from one end to another, and orderest all things mightily and sweetly, come to teach us the way of prudence!
Latin
O Sapientia, quæ ex ore Altissimi prodiisti, attingens a fine usque ad finem, fortiter suaviterque disponens omnia: veni ad docendum nos viam prudentiæ.
In the past, we’ve had chocolate for the “sweetly” part but we have also had a fish dinner because fish is brain food and that goes with wisdom!
8. O Adonai
December 18:
Latin
O Adonai, et Dux domus Israel, qui Moysi in igne flammæ rubi apparuisti, et ei in Sina legem dedisti: veni ad redimendum nos in brachio extento
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.
On this night we have our favorite Buffalo Chicken Dip – aka Hot Spicy Chicken Dip. It has just enough burn in it to remind us of the burning bush!
It’s also a good night to re-read the story of Moses and the burning bush- this scene is one of my favorites
9. On Radix Jesse
December 19
Root of Jesse, which standest for an ensign of the people, at Whom the kings shall shut their mouths, Whom the Gentiles shall seek, come to deliver us, do not tarry.
O Radix Jesse, qui stas in signum populorum, super quem continebunt reges os suum, quem Gentes deprecabuntur: veni ad liberandum nos, jam noli tardare.
Root beer floats for dessert tonight after our beet stew with lots of root vegetables like carrots and potatoes!
10. On Clavis David – Key of David
December 20
Latin
O Clavis David, et sceptrum domus Israel; qui aperis, et nemo claudit; claudis, et nemo aperit: veni, et educ vinctum de domo carceris, sedentem in tenebris, et umbra mortis.
O Key of David, and Sceptre of the house of Israel, that openeth and no man shutteth, and shutteth and no man openeth, come to liberate the prisoner from the prison, and them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death.
Come, and deliver him from the chains of prison who sits in darkness and in the shadow of death (Ps 107: 10).
A delicious and easy keylime pie for dinner tonight. I also found these sweet key chains from Tiny Saints.com to give out tonight as a special gift. I chose the Our Lady of Fatima chains since this is the 100 year anniversary of the apparitions at Fatima and I want to keep reminding my children and myself of this special anniversary. Special thanks to Shower of Roses for that idea!
11. O Oriens
December 21
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.” Isaiah had prophesied, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shown.” (9:1).
O Rising Dawn (O Oriens): O Rising Dawn, Radiance of the Light eternal and Sun of Justice; Come, enlighten those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death.
Eggs – sunny side up of course
Also, we usually make a nice orange sherbert punch as a way to cheer the land of gloom and a reminder of the light.
12. O Rex Gentium – King of Nations
December 22
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.” Isaiah had prophesied, “For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.” (9:5), and “He shall judge between the nations, and impose terms on many peoples. They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; one nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again.” (2:4) .
King Ranch Casserole is on the menu for this evening. This recipe uses a grain free version.
13. O Emmanuel.
December 23
O Emmanuel: “O Emmanuel, king and lawgiver, desire of the nations, Savior of all people, come and set us free, Lord our God.” Isaiah had prophesied, “The Lord himself will give you this sign: the Virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.”
(7:14). Remember “Emmanuel” means “God is with us.”
Nothing special planned for this night except to stay together as a family – watch a movie, play a game or just talk.
Father Saunders explains the O Antiphons very clearly here along with the appropriate scripture.
The symbols of the antiphons and explanation here via Catholic Culture
Here are some delightful crafts and antiphon activities!
Antiphon Guide from O Night Divine!
Just Another Day In Paradise: O Antiphon Activities
“O Antiphon” House « Our Domestic Church
By Sun and Candleight o’ Antiphon House
St. Athanasias Academy
O Antiphon activities!
O’Night Divine – the symbols, the prayers, and links for the O Antiphons!
Fisheaters has the actual chants in Latin for download!
Tons of good resources at Illuminated Ink!
Elsa Chaney’s Twelve Days of Christmas FREE on EWTN
Elena, what a lovely blogpost again. I love the way to tie in your meals with the meaning of the O Antiphon. I certainly hadn’t thought of doing that. It was good to read, thank you.
God bless.