THE ONE WEEK COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS : THE "O" ANTIPHONS ANCIENT ACCLAMATIONS OF THE COMING MESSIAH..........

In the final days of Advent leading us to the celebration of Christmas, the daily liturgies are adorned at Evening Prayer, (Vespers) wi8th the, "O" Antiphons, ancient titlkes of acclamation awaiting the Coming of the long awaited Messiah of God's People.  The "O" Antiphons refer not only to the Messiah's presence, but the power, and participation he will play in the lives of those enfolded into the Covenant of Life and Love.  Although you may be unaware of them until now, by that name - you do know them if you are familiar with the Advent son, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel".   The seven titles by which the Anointed One of God is acclaimed between Dec. 17-23, are : "O Wisdom; O Sacred Lord; O Flower of Jesse's Stem; O Key of David; O Radiant Dawn; O King of all the Nations; O Emmanuel".  In addition to being prayed at Evening Prayer, the, "O" Antiphons are fittingly used as the Gospel Verse at the Advent Masses of these seven days, that lead us to the doors of the Holy Birth of the Messiah, our Christmas celebration this year.  So be aware as you pray this week of the "O" Antiphons and reflect on what fruit of faith it is hearkening you to envelop in your personal, familial, and communal, readiness for the great feast of Christmas..........O Come, O Wisdom From On High,    Fr.  Troy