What are the O Antiphons?
An antiphon is a verse said ahead of a psalm during the Liturgy of the Hours. Antiphons help focuss meditation during prayer.
The O Antiphons, so called because they all begin with an “O,” are special verses from the Bible that are sung the week before Christmas as part of Evening prayer.
Each day’s O Antiphon has a different title for Jesus that combines truly magnificent theology with biblical imagery.
The List of O Antiphons is:
- O Sapientia (O Wisdom)
- O Adonai (O Lord)
- O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse)
- O Clavis David (O Key of David)
- O Oriens (O Radiant Dawn)
- O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations)
- O Emmanuel (O God with Us)
Why pray them this Advent?
I love incorporating the O Antiphons into our family’s Advent (so much so that they’re included in my book The Jesse Tree for Families) because, though they are rich in imagery and theology, they are still accessible to kids. They offer my husband and I the chance to talk about Jesus’ identity as Savior through a Biblical lens.
Praying the O Antiphons unites us with the larger Church, which is important to me. Our current stage of life doesn’t always allow us to participate in our parish as much as we’d like to, but by leaning into Liturgy of the Hours, we are praying alongside priests, religious, and laity across the world.
Some Tips for Praying the O Antiphons with your kids
It’s honestly easier than you think to incorporate the O Antiphons into your Advent. Here are a few tips from my family to yours:
- Say the O Antiphon yourself, and then invite the rest of the family to say it with you. You’ll build up confidence that way!
- Ask your kids if they need help understanding any of the words.
- Look up where that Antiphon comes from in the Bible. Play detective and try to understand why this title is important to the Church.
- Ask your kids (and yourself) what does this antiphon tell you about Jesus’ identity?
If you have a copy of my book, The Jesse Tree for Families, you already have everything you need to incorporate the O Antiphons into your Advent, including a beautiful ornament for each one.