Great Days of Advent - Day 7 (December 23)

O Antiphon

O Emmanuel, our King and Lawgiver,

the Expected of the Nations and their Savior,

come to save us, O Lord our God.

Great Days of Advent - Day 6 (December 22)

O King of the nations, 
you alone can fulfil their desires; 
cornerstone, binding all together: 
come and save the creature you fashioned from the dust of the earth.

Great Days of Advent - Day 5 (December 21)

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

Great Days of Advent - Day 4 (December 20)

O Antiphon

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 to freedom. 

Great Days of Advent - Day 3 (December 19)

O Root of Jesse you stand as a sign to the peoples; 
before you kings shall keep silence,
all nations bow in worship: 
come and save us, and do not delay.

Great Days of Advent - Day 2 (December 18)

O sacred Lord of ancient Israel,

who gave him the holy law on Sinai mountain:

come, stretch out your mighty hand to set us free....

Great Days of Advent - Day 1 (December 17)

Today, December 17, begins the Great Days of Advent. We are now in the second part of Advent, focusing on preparing for the celebration of Christ's birth. (The first half of Advent focuses more on Christ's second coming).

Among the tradition of these Great Days of Advent is the "O Antiphons" (more familiar in the song "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel") These prayers are used at Mass as the Alleluia verse and at evening prayer.

Each of these antiphons highlights a title of Jesus, the Messiah.May these prayers help us focus on Jesus Christ, the reason for the season.

And today, the prayer is

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....