O ANTIPHONS

Each of the seven antiphons begins by addressing Jesus using an Old Testament title for the Messiah. These seven names or titles, all from the Book of Isaiah, are: 

December 23, O' Emmanuel (O God with Us), 7:14.

DECEMBER 23

"O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law:
come to save us, Lord our God!"

A Christian tradition to proclaim the arrival of the Messiah in the world and in our hearts is to say the “O Antiphons” during the days leading to Christmas Day. Each Antiphon begins by proclaiming the names of our Messiah found in the Old Testament—Wisdom, Lord, Root of Jesse, Key of David, Radiant Dawn, King of Nations and Emmanuel. The names remind us of the rich blessings of our Savior to the world. You are invited to say the antiphon before your evening meal. 

The Roman Church has been singing the "O" Antiphons since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23. They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well. Their repeated use of the imperative "Come!" embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah.