O EMMANUEL
We are now coming to the final days of Advent when the focus of our prayer and meditation turns expectantly toward the coming of the Lord in his birth at Bethlehem.
Yesterday our friend and gardener Steve erected the nativity scene we place in our front grounds each year. These cut out figures were distributed free of charge some years ago to places willing to maintain the tradition of the nativity scene and have been painted by one of our Sisters. As well as welcoming our regular visitors this delightful scene draws many passers by into the grounds to take a closer look. This is especially true if there is a child walking by as they will nearly always draw any accompanying adults along with them while they come to gaze in wonder. The joy of Christmas is truly experienced by those who can indeed become as a little child.
On December 17 we begin to recite the O Antiphons which lead us toward the great Christmas celebrations. These antiphons spread through the Roman Church in the early centuries, being used in monasteries and then becoming incorporated into the liturgical celebrations of the Church at large. In monastic communities the antiphon is recited or sung each evening during the celebration of Vespers (Evening Prayer) as an introduction to the Magnificat - the Canticle of Mary from the Gospel of Luke. Each of the antiphons highlights a title for the Messiah and each is taken from the prophet Isaiah:
O Sapientia - O Wisdom
O Adonai - O Lord
O Radix Jesse - O Flower of Jesse
O Clavis David - O Key of David
O Oriens - O Radiant Dawn
O Rex Gentium - O King of all nations
O Emmanuel - O God with us
If we start with the last title and take the first letter of each title in Latin we get the Latin words ero cras - Tomorrow I will come.
In these last days leading up to Christmas you may wish to join us in praying and reflecting upon these antiphons.
‘O Wisdom, O holy Word of God, you govern all creation with your strong yet tender care. Come and show your people the way to salvation.’
O sacred Lord of ancient Israel, who showed yourself to Moses in the burning bush, who gave him the holy law on Sinai mountain: come, stretch out your mighty hand to set us free'.’
‘O Flower of Jesse’s stem, you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples; kings stand silent in your presence; the nations bow down in worship before you. Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.’
O Key of David, O royal Power of Israel controlling at your will the gate of heaven: come, break down the prison walls of death for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death; and lead your captive people into freedom."‘
‘O Radiant Dawn, splendour of eternal light, sun of justice: come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.’
‘O King of all the nations, the only joy of every human heart; O Keystone of the mighty arch of man, come and save the creature you fashioned from the dust.’
‘O Emmanuel, king and lawgiver, desire of the nations, Saviour of all people, come and set us free, Lord our God.’
And tomorrow…the Lord will come!
