Antiphons For the Days Before Christmas

Antiphons for Advent from December 17 - 23

They are based on Isaiah’s prophecies and reveal the different titles given to the Messiah.

O Sapientia (O Wisdom) Isaiah 11:2–3; 28:29

O Adonai (O Lord) Isaiah 11:4–5; 33:22

O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse) Isaiah 1:1; 11:10

O Clavis David (O Key of David) Isaiah 9:6; 22:22

O Oriens (O Rising Sun) Isaiah 9:1

O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations) Isaiah 9:5; 2:4

O Emmanuel (O God with us) Isaiah 7:14

Since each antiphon is short, it is helpful to spend time reading it each day, pondering it and praying it meditatively throughout the day as a way to make immediate spiritual preparation for Christmas.

December 17

O Wisdom, coming forth from the mouth of the Most High,

reaching from one end to the other,

mightily and sweetly ordering all things:

Come and teach us the way of prudence.

December 18

O Adonai, and leader of the House of Israel,

who appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush

and gave him the law on Sinai:

Come and redeem us with an outstretched arm.

December 19

O Root of Jesse, standing as a sign among the peoples;

before you kings will shut their mouths,

to you the nations will make their prayer:

Come and deliver us, and delay no longer.

December 20

O Key of David and scepter of the House of Israel;

you open and no one can shut;

you shut and no one can open:

Come and lead the prisoners from the prison house,

those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.

December 21

O Morning Star,

splendor of light eternal and sun of righteousness:

Come and enlighten those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.

December 22

O King of the nations, and their desire,

the cornerstone making both one:

Come and save the human race,

which you fashioned from clay.

December 23

O Emmanuel, our king and our lawgiver,

the hope of the nations and their Savior:

Come and save us, O Lord our God.

Listen to the "O" antiphons in Latin here or here.