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 Radix   19 December

 O Root of Jesse, stand 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.

Radix  Root     Isaiah 11:1, 10

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