The Holy Season of Advent
Advent is the season of preparation for the coming of the Lord. Let us stir up our hearts to prepare the way for the King of Kings, making straight His paths with prayer, penance, and works of charity. It is a time of watchful waiting and joyful expectation for the twofold coming of Christ: in history at His Nativity, and in majesty at the end of time.
The Great “O” Antiphons
These ancient antiphons are sung or recited during Vespers (Evening Prayer) on the seven days preceding Christmas Eve. Each is a title of the Messiah and refers to the prophecies of Isaiah.
December 17: O Sapientia
O Wisdom, who didst come out of the mouth of the Most High, reaching from one end to the other, mightily and sweetly ordering all things: come and teach us the way of prudence. Amen.
December 18: O Adonai
O Adonai, and Leader of the house of Israel, who didst appear to Moses in the flame of the burning bush, and didst give unto him the law on Sinai: come and redeem us with a stretched-out arm. Amen.
December 19: O Radix Jesse
O Root of Jesse, who standest for an ensign of the people, before whom kings shall keep silence, and unto whom the Gentiles shall make their supplication: come to deliver us, and tarry not. Amen.
December 20: O Clavis David
O Key of David, and Sceptre of the house of Israel; who openest, and no man shutteth; who shuttest, and no man openeth: come and bring forth the captive from his prison, who sitteth in darkness and in the shadow of death. Amen.
December 21: O Oriens
O Dayspring, Brightness of the everlasting light, and Sun of justice: come and enlighten them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. Amen.
December 22: O Rex Gentium
O King of the Gentiles and their desired One, the Cornerstone that makest both one: come and save man, whom Thou hast formed out of the slime of the earth. Amen.
December 23: O Emmanuel
O Emmanuel, our King and Lawgiver, the Expectation of the nations and their Saviour: come to save us, O Lord our God. Amen.
The Holy Season of Christmas
The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us. In this holy season, we rejoice in the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, the light of the world and the prince of peace. Let us adore Him in the humility of the manger and carry His light in our hearts throughout the year.
Prayer to the Infant Jesus
O sweet Child of Bethlehem, grant that we may share with all our hearts in this profound mystery of Christmas. Put into the hearts of men this peace for which they sometimes seek so desperately and which Thou alone canst give to them. Help them to know one another better, and to live as brethren, children of the same Father. Reveal to them also Thy beauty, holiness and purity. Awaken in their hearts love and gratitude for Thy infinite goodness. Join them all together in Thy love. And give them Thy heavenly peace. Amen.
Prayer for the Christmas Season
O God, who hast made this most sacred night to shine with the brightness of the true Light; grant, we beseech Thee, that we, who have known the mystery of His light on earth, may also enjoy His happiness in heaven. Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.
Contexte Historique
Advent is the season of holy preparation, a time of devout and joyful expectation for the coming of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. It comprises the four Sundays preceding Christmas. The Great ‘O Antiphons’ are ancient chants, sung as the Magnificat antiphons during Vespers in the last seven days of Advent, each heralding a title for the coming Messiah. The Christmas season celebrates the mystery of the Incarnation, beginning with the Nativity of Our Lord and extending through the Epiphany to the Baptism of the Lord, inviting the faithful to contemplate the Word made flesh.