Liturgically Speaking: Rediscovering the O Antiphons This Advent
Liturgically Speaking:
More Than a Hymn: Rediscovering the O Antiphons This Advent
Dr. Jason, director of music
Each Advent, congregations across the world lift their voices to sing O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, a hauntingly beautiful hymn that seems to capture the longing of the human heart for God’s arrival. But what many don’t realize is that this beloved carol is drawn directly from one of the oldest and most profound treasures of Christian worship: the O Antiphons.
Dating back to at least the eighth century, the O Antiphons are ancient prayers traditionally sung during Vespers (Evening Prayer) on the seven days leading up to Christmas Eve. Each begins with the exclamation “O” followed by a messianic title drawn from the prophecies of Isaiah—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 Dayspring), O Rex Gentium (O King of Nations), and O Emmanuel (O God With Us). Each antiphon expresses a unique facet of Christ’s identity, capturing both the yearning of Israel and the Church’s expectation of the Incarnation.
When placed in reverse order, the first letters of each Latin title form the acrostic Ero Cras, which translates to “Tomorrow I will come”—a poetic reminder that these ancient prayers were designed to build anticipation, leading us to the joy of Christmas Eve when God indeed comes to dwell among us.
Over the centuries, these chants were adapted into the hymn we know so well today. Yet, as beautiful as O Come, O Come, Emmanuelis, it represents only one dimension of the O Antiphons’ depth. Each verse opens a new window into the mystery of Christ, inviting us to contemplate His wisdom, power, lineage, kingship, and eternal light.
Here at St. Matthew’s, we will be embracing the full richness of this tradition throughout the season of Advent. Across the four Sundays, we will sing all eight verses of O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, allowing the text to unfold gradually, as it was originally intended. By doing so, we honor not only the beauty of the music but also the theological and spiritual depth of these ancient words.
As we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, may the O Antiphons remind us that Advent is not merely a countdown to Christmas. It is a sacred journey of waiting, watching, and wonder, one that draws us closer to the eternal mystery of Emmanuel, God with us.
