O Antiphons – O Emmanuel!

This is the last O Antiphon before Christmas, O Emmanuel, no translation here… simply, O Emmanuel, which we know means, “God with us.” O Emmanuel, Rex et legifer noster, expectratio gentium, et Salvator earum: veni ad salvandum nos, Domines, Deus noster. O Emmanuel, king and lawgiver, desire of the nations, Savior of all people: Come and [...]

Yes, Maggie, There Is A Santa Claus – A Guest Post by Katie Andersen (updated)

Yes, Maggie, There Is a Santa Claus -  By Katie Andersen When it comes to Santa Claus, Christmas is not easy on any parent. We go out of our way to conceal the reality from our little ones, encouraging good behavior with tactics like the “Elf on a Shelf” and half bitten cookies on a [...]

O Antiphons – O Rex Gentium

Today our O Antiphon is O Rex Gentium, or O, King of All The Nations! Jesus the Christ leads us all, he is our Lord and King! Dec. 22: O Rex Gentium, et desideratus earum, lapisque angularis, qui facis utraque unum: veni, et salva hominem, quem de limo formasti. O King of all the nations, [...]

An Advent Reflection

At my home parish of St. Edward the Confessor, we have a beautiful tradition of offering evening prayer on Tuesdays during Advent and Lent. I was privileged to offer the reflection last night. It was a true gift to see people from Immaculate Conception present and I am grateful beyond measure! Thank you for your [...]

O Antiphons – O Oriens

Our antiphon for today is O Oriens, or O Radiant Dawn. I love this imagery of Jesus, bringing light to what was once dark.   O Oriens, splendor lucis aeternae, et sol justitiae: veni, et illumina sedentes in tenebris, et umbra mortis. O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: Come, shine on those [...]

O Antiphons – O Clavis David

Today we have the name for the Messiah, O Clavis David – or Key of David. Yes, from the Root of Jesse came David and ultimately Jesus. Now we go further, the Key of David which will open the doors of the Kingdom to set us free. O Clavis David, et sceptrum domus Israel, qui [...]

Monday Bonus Post – A Short Reflection on the O Antiphons by Michele Francl-Donnay

Michelle Francl-Donnay is a friend that I have only met through blogs and Facebook. She authors a beautiful blog entitled Quantum Theology. Michelle is a chemistry professor, a cantor at her Catholic parish and the author of a regular column published in the Catholic Standard of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. She is a prolific writer [...]

Monday Musing – The O Antiphons, O Radix Jesse

Today’s O Antiphon is O Radix Jesse, or Root of Jesse. I am always comforted when I think of how King David was chosen, from the root of Jesse. He was the unlikely one – as is The Christ. Think about unlikely so many things are in your life, and then consider all of that [...]

The O Antiphons – O Adonai

Today is the second day of the O Antiphons. If you did not read yesterday’s post, I am going to post one O Antiphon for the 7 days on which they are used as the antiphon for the Magnificat at Vespers. The antiphons are different names for the Messiah and today’s is O Adonai. I [...]

Saturday Song – The O Antipons, O Sapientia

It is December 17 and the O Antiphons are upon us.  These antiphons are used, beginning on December 17 and for 7 days, during Vespers. They are sung immediately preceding the Magnificat.  During these 7 days, I will post a video for each antiphon. The antiphons bring us closer to the incarnational event that is [...]