The season of Advent begins on December 1. Advent is a season of preparation and anticipation for the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas and at his second coming. Advent begins the liturgical year and is often celebrated with special traditions.

In this article, learn about the O Antiphons, an ancient practice of using short Scripture verses with titles of Christ during the last week of Advent. Download an O Antiphons Advent Prayer Cards to use as a Catholic family.

The O Antiphons

Antiphons are short sentences or verses, often from Sacred Scripture, sung or recited in a call-and-response format during liturgical services. Praying antiphons is both a common and ancient practice in the Catholic Church. The O Antiphons are a series of seven antiphons used in the liturgy during the liturgical season of Advent, specifically during the week from December 17th to December 23rd. The practice of praying or singing the O Antiphons dates back to at least the 8th century.

Each of the O Antiphons is drawn from the Old Testament prophecies about the promised Messiah. The antiphons address Jesus Christ with traditional titles derived from these Biblical prophecies, highlighting different aspects of his identity. The O Antiphons, in English and their original Latin, are as follows:

• Wisdom (O Sapientia)
• O Lord Most High (O Adonai)
• O Root of Jesse (O Radix Jesse)
• O Key of David (O Clavis David)
• O Radiant Dawn (O Oriens)
• King of Nations (O Rex Gentium)
• Emmanuel (O Emmanuel)

Proclaiming the O Antiphons expresses the coming of Christ as the fulfillment of our hopes, both ancient and present.

O Antiphons Advent Prayer Cards

Download a set of beautiful prayer cards to pray or sing the O Antiphons between December 17th and 23rd as a Catholic family.

Here’s a breakdown of each O Antiphon, with corresponding prayers from Catholic Household Blessings & Prayers.

December 17: O Wisdom

In Latin, the antiphons begin ‘O Sapienta,’ or in English, wisdom. This first antiphon for the Octave of Advent recognizes Jesus as the embodiment of divine wisdom and invites believers to seek understanding and guidance from Christ:

O Wisdom of our God Most High,
guiding creation with power and love:
come to teach us the path of knowledge!

December 18: O Adonai

This antiphon uses the ancient term for the God of Israel, Adonai, a title which emphasizes God’s power and recalls God’s covenant his people:

O Leader of the House of Israel,
giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai:
come to rescue us with your mighty power!

December 19: O Root of Jesse

In Scripture, Jesse was the father of King David. This antiphon refers to Jesus as the “root” of Jesse, highlighting Jesus’s lineage from King David. This verse emphasizes the fulfillment of God’s promises and the hope of redemption through Jesus:

O Root of Jesse’s stem,
sign of God’s love for all his people:
come to save us without delay!

December 20: O Key of David

This antiphon reflects Jesus as the light of the world, promising joy and hope in the darkness as well as the dawn of salvation. The praying of this antiphon coincides with the winter solstice in the Northern hemisphere, the shortest and darkest day of the year before the days grow longer and light returns:

O Key of David,
opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom:
come and free the prisoners of darkness!

December 21: O Radiant Dawn

This antiphon reflects Jesus as the light of the world, promising joy and hope in the darkness as well as the dawn of salvation. The praying of this antiphon coincides with the winter solstice in the Northern hemisphere, the shortest and darkest day of the year before the days grow longer and light returns:

O Radiant Dawn,
splendor of eternal light, sun of justice:
come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the
shadow of death.

December 22: O King of Nations

This title acknowledges Christ as the King of all nations and peoples, and expressing hope for peace and unity in God’s kingdom of justice and righteousness:

O King of all nations and keystone of the Church:
come and save man, whom you formed from the dust

December 23: O Emmanuel

Emmanuel means “God With Us” and this antiphon calls to mind the popular Christmas hymn, “O Come O Come Emmanuel.” This antiphon ends the Octave of Advent emphasizing the Incarnation and anticipating the coming of Jesus Christ at Christmas:

O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law:
come to save us, Lord our God!

Incorporating the O Antiphons into Family Advent Practices

The O Antiphons are traditionally recited prior to the Magnificat during Vespers or Evening Prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours. They are part of the Octave of Advent; the eighth day of the octave is Christmas Eve, so Vespers for that evening is the Christmas Vigil.

Prayer and Reflection

Families can incorporate the O Antiphons into their own Advent traditions and celebrations at home as well. Together as a family, dedicate the last seven days of Advent to praying or singing each antiphon together each day. Reflect on and discuss the title(s) of Jesus in each antiphon. Include additional prayers or readings. Families might also incorporate the O Antiphons into the lighting of the Advent wreath.

Scripture

Each O Antiphon is drawn from Sacred Scripture. Explore the scriptural references for each Antiphon during the Octave of Advent to enhance your family’s understanding of this ancient tradition.

Art

Create an artistic display based on the O Antiphons in your family prayer space or as part of your holiday décor at home. Create or add an ornament representing each O Antiphon to your Advent or Christmas tree during the Octave of Advent after you sing or pray the antiphon together.

The O Antiphons serve as a powerful reminder of the anticipation of Christ’s birth, allowing individuals and communities to reflect deeply on His identity and the promise of salvation. By incorporating these antiphons into various Advent practices, believers can enrich their spiritual journey and foster a deeper connection with the season's themes.