The “O” Antiphons

These very ancient verses, probably dating from at least the sixth century, are used in daily prayer in the last days of Advent.

The hymn O come, O come Emmanuel is a paraphrase of them.

The titles given to the Messiah are all to be found in prophecy.

 O Clavis     20 December

 O Key of David and sceptre 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.

Clavis   Key     Isaiah 22:22,    Isaiah 42:7.

As we await the coming of our Lord, we pray “Even so come, Lord Jesus”.