Traditionally the Church has preserved seven O Antiphons in her liturgy, though in some places there were 12. This included an extra antiphon to Our Lady.
Advent means “to come to” or “toward” and is filled with a sense of expectation and hope. But most years, we get too busy, scattered, and jaded to allow the season to have a life of its own. In this four-part series, I give a little background and a few ideas that might help you stop, breathe, and become a part of the anticipation of Christmas.
O king of the nations, you alone can fulfil their desires: cornerstone, binding all together: come and save the creature you fashioned from the dust of the earth. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
Quick Explanation of the O Antiphons, said at Evening Prayer or Vespers from December 17-23 at the last part of Advent. Acrostic ERO CRAS Tomorrow, I will come. The O Antiphons are seven precious jewels of our Catholic Liturgy, counting down the last seven days before Christmas with building anticipation. Because each antiphon begins with an “O” this group of antiphons are called O Antiphons.