The "O Antiphons" are the seven antiphons that have been historically chanted or recited right before the Magnificat during Vespers of the Liturgy of the Hours during the period of Advent known as the Octave which consists of the seven days before Christmas Eve (December 17 - 23).
Each O antiphon is a reference to Christ. More specifically, each one highlights a title for the Messiah that relates to a messianic prophecy found in the book of Isaiah.
The messianic titles are as follows:
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 Radiant Dawn)
O Rex Gentium (O King of all Nations)
O Emmanuel (O Emmanuel-God with Us)
Centuries ago a Benedictine monk noted that when you take the first initial of each title and read it backwards it forms an acroustic (E-R-0-C-R-A-S) for the Latin words "Ero Cras" which means "Tomorrow I Come" or "I will be there tomorrow."
May you take time out during the seven days before Christmas Eve and pray and meditate upon the O Antiphons and may you pause in between each in order to hear the Messiah say "Tomorrow I will Come."
"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."
"Tomorrow I will Come"
"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."
"Tomorrow I will Come"
"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."
"Tomorrow I will Come"
"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."
"Tomorrow I will Come"
"O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death."
"Tomorrow I will Come"
"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."
"Tomorrow I will Come"
O Emmanuel, king and lawgiver, desire of the nations, Savior of all people, come and set us free, Lord our God."
"Tomorrow I will Come"
For the messianic prophecies found in the book of Isaiah that relate to each of the messianic titles of the O Antiphons click here.
The O Antiphons are also the inspiration of the beautiful medieval hymn, Veni (O Come), Veni (O Come) Emmanuel. Each stanza of this famous song is a poetic rendering of an O Antiphon, which is why the hymn is traditionally sung only during the seven days prior to Christmas Eve and on Christmas Eve. For the lyrics click here.
