Many Christians are familiar with the ancient Advent hymn, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” But did you know that it is based on a series of seven prayers called the “O Antiphons.” These prayers have historically been sung at vespers (evening worship) during the final seven evenings of Advent (December 17-23). Each of these ancient prayers addresses Christ by a name drawn from the Scriptures and seeks his blessings based on that name. Each prayer concludes with a call for Christ to “come” as promised.
The seven names by which Christ is called are Wisdom (Latin Sapientia), Lord (Adonai), Root of Jesse (Radix), Key of David (Clavis), Dayspring (Oriens), King of the Nations (Rex Gentium), and Emmanuel. When the first letters of these names in Latin are arranged in reverse order, they spell “ERO CRAS,” which means, in Latin, “Tomorrow, I will come.”
Consider setting aside a few extra minutes to meditate on these names for Christ and the prayers and hymn verses connected to them, as you prepare your heart for Christmas. One set of suggested readings, with the Antiphons and hymn verses can be found here. Find a series of devotional articles on the Antiphons here.
Here are the readings and hymns planned for use at Riverview Lutheran Church, Appleton, WI, next Sunday, December 19:
- Readings: Micah 5:2-5a; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-55
- Hymns: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (327); Holy is Your Name (956); Once in Royal David’s City (343); Lift Up Your Heads, You Mighty Gates (306)
May God bless your growth in faith, as you meditate on his Word this week!
Your brother in Christ,
Pastor Wagner
Together in the Word 