The O Antiphons: Ancient Prayers for the Final Days of Advent

As we move into the final days of Advent, the Church invites us into one of her most beautiful and ancient traditions: the O Antiphons. These short but theologically rich prayers have shaped Christian devotion for well over a millennium, and they continue to hold a treasured place in Anglican spirituality today.

What Are the O Antiphons?

The O Antiphons are a set of seven ancient prayers traditionally sung or recited from December 17–23, one each evening. They are used as the antiphons to the Magnificat at Evening Prayer and also appear throughout the liturgical tradition as part of the preparation for Christmas.

Each antiphon begins with an address to Christ using a different Messianic title drawn from Scripture—many from Isaiah—and each begins with the exclamation “O”, giving the set its name. The titles are:

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 Dayspring
O Rex Gentium — O King of Nations
O Emmanuel — O God-With-Us
When read backwards, the first letters of each Latin title form an acrostic: ERO CRAS, meaning “Tomorrow I will come.” Thus the structure of the antiphons themselves becomes a proclamation of the coming Christ.

I will be posting full verses of the O Antiphons daily on our Website (News tab), Facebook and Instagram pages, and X/Twitter feed.  I encourage you view them each day.

Their History in the Church of England

The O Antiphons have been part of Western Christian worship since at least the early 8th century. They appear in the writings of the venerable Bede, in medieval English monastic practice, and in Sarum use, the liturgical tradition of England before the Reformation.

The Sarum Breviary preserved all seven antiphons, and they were sung daily before Christmas Eve in cathedrals, collegiate churches, and many parish churches across England. This means the O Antiphons are very much part of our historic Anglican patrimony.

After the Reformation, although the full structure of the medieval offices was simplified, the spirit of the O Antiphons was preserved through:

  • Their themes and imagery in the Advent Collects.
  • Their poetic distillation in the hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” which is essentially a metrical paraphrase of the O Antiphons.
  • Their revival in the English Church Union, the Oxford Movement, and the restoration of traditional liturgical resources, especially through the English Hymnal (1906) and later Anglican devotional books.
  • The 20th century saw further reinstatement of the antiphons in Anglican religious communities, cathedral choirs, and parish traditions particularly among Anglo-Catholic parishes.

How the O Antiphons Can Be Used Today in Anglican Worship

Today, Anglicans across the tradition, evangelical, broad church, and Anglo-Catholic alike, are rediscovering the richness of the O Antiphons. Here are some ways they can be incorporated into our spiritual preparation for Christmas:

1. Pray Them at Evening Prayer (Dec. 17–23)

This is their historic use. They may be said before and after the Magnificat in the Daily Office or used as a standalone devotion.

2. Use Them in Family Prayer or Personal Devotion

Families may pray one antiphon each night leading up to Christmas, perhaps lighting an Advent candle as part of a simple domestic liturgy.

3. Sing “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” Using the Antiphon Schedule

Each verse corresponds to one of the traditional antiphons. Singing a specific verse each day is a beautiful way to enter Advent’s final week.

4. Incorporate Them into Parish Worship

Many churches use the antiphons in Advent Lessons & Carols, Eucharistic devotions, or in a special service known as “The Great O’s.”

5. Reflect on Their Scriptural Roots

The titles of Christ found in the O Antiphons come directly from the prophets and the wisdom literature. They invite us to meditate deeply on who Jesus is and what His coming means.

Why They Matter

The O Antiphons help us feel the growing intensity of Advent. They put words to the Church’s longing for the Messiah and invite us to anticipate Christ not only in Bethlehem but also in our own lives and in His promised return.

As we move closer to Christmas, may these ancient prayers shape our expectation and deepen our joy as we await the coming of our Savior.

“O Emmanuel, our King and our Lawgiver, the Desire of all nations, and their Salvation: Come and save us, O Lord our God.”

--- Fr. Chris Fish

All things come of thee, O Lord, and of thine own have we given thee

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SERVICES & EVENTS

Tonight Friday December 19, 6:30 PM, Caroling in the neighborhood, meet at the church

Sunday, 7:45 AM, 9:00 AM & 11:15 AM Services  (for online participation for the services go to: https://www.facebook.com/saintsofscotland)

Nursery, 9:00 AM & 11:15 AM Services

Sunday School, 10:30 AM 

Discussion of the Saints this Monday, December 22 at 7:30 PM, Fr. Bragg continues his study and discussion on the Saints, undercroft. If you couldn't make it to the first ones, you're still welcome to attend the following ones.

Christmas Services:
Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24, 7:00 PM & 11:00 PM
Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25, 12:00 noon

Friday, December 26, 12 noon service, St. Stephen, Deacon & Martyr

Saturday, December 27, 12 noon service. St. John, Apostle & Evangelist

Sunday, December 28, 9:00 AM, Service of Lesson & Carols

Monday, January 19, 7:30 PM, Vestry Meeting, undercroft

Sunday January 25, 7:45 AM Service, 10:00 AM Combined Service (no 9 &11:15 AM Services) followed by Annual Parish Meeting

Women’s Retreat to be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Church of the Ascension in Centreville, VA. Details to follow as the date draws near

 
MaRiH Crisis Pregnancy Center: Critical Needs 
Thank you for your help. The list of critical needs remains the same for this week.. 
Diapers, sizes 5 and 6
Winter coats (Boys & Girls), size 2T 
Winter clothing, sizes 3- 6 months and 2T 
Wipes
Baby Blankets
Baby formula: Similac Advance Formula
Bibs::toddler
Lovies, Rattles, Teethers
There are two options for helping the Center with this need! 
 
Option 1 
Amazon has all the specific items needed. You can order the specific item(s) and have them delivered directly to the Center.  

The MaRiH Center
3230B Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314-4521
703-370-4774

Option 2 
Go to your local store, purchase the items requested and drop them off at church on Sunday. We will deliver them to the MaRIH Center.
 

Food Bank Needs
 
With the cold weather here the food bank has more folks who need food. Please help this month with a food donation if you are able. Those we help feed are very thankful for the food we provide to them each month. Please also buy low sugar cereals (and not the kid's types that have lots of sugar). 

Current needs include the following:
canned meats (chicken, corned beef, spam)
peanut butter
jelly
tuna
canned vegetables (corn, green beans - (regular and low sodium)
individual fruit cups (low sugar)
canned fruit (low sugar)
canola or vegetable oil (48 oz)
boxed cereal (low sugar) and instant or old fashioned oatmeal (18 oz or 42 oz)
pasta (regular and gluten-free):
instant potatoes
single serving fruit juice
macaroni & cheese
soups: Chunky or Progresso,noodle soup; chicken broth, cream of mushroom
coffee, cooking oil, flour, sugar
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