Celebrate the final days of the Advent season and the spirit of expectation which marks the final week before Christmas with the O-Antiphons. 
   Each evening, beginning December 17, we will be posting a reflection on one of the O-Antiphons on our Facebook page (at  Facebook.com/WaterlooCatholics ) in place of our regular Evening Examen.   Or you can have the daily reflections sent to you directly by email.
> Register here to receive the daily reflections by email.

What Are the O-Antiphons?

  An antiphon is the short phrase recited or chanted before and after a reading of a Psalm or canticle. The "O-Antiphons," which have been in common use among Christians from at least the eighth century, have traditionally been used at Evening Prayer in the Church's Liturgy of the Hours during the final days of Advent (December 17-23).
   These antiphons reflect a magnificent theology of creation, redemption and restoration reflecting the messianic hopes of the Old Testament. The images and titles drawn from the Jewish prophetic tradition remind Christians that for us Jewish hopes for a Messiah were fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whose presence sustains us as we await his glorious return and the arrival of the eternal Kingdom.
   Jesus is Emmanuel --"God-is-with-us"-- but we often struggle to recognize his presence among us as the wisdom who creates and orders the universe ... the lawgiver who establishes righteousness throughout the land ... the redeemer who has overcome death and rescued creation from sin ... the great king who is drawing all into the Kingdom of love.

How to Pray the O-Antiphons

   Here is our suggestion on how to pray the O-Antiphons during the final days of Advent.
1. Recite the antiphon slowly and attentively.  Linger on a word, phrase or image which strikes you.  Imagine how and why this prayer would have been important to the Jewish people centuries ago.
2. Read the reflection and think about the questions.  In what way can you relate to the questions?  In what way is this antiphon particularly applicable to your life this Advent?
3. Recite the antiphon again, recalling the word, phrase or image which struck you the first time; think about why it is important to you and your loved ones.
4. Conclude your reflection with the final prayer.
5. If you have time, spend a few moments listening to the day’s musical selection.
6. If you are using the reflections during the day, return to the day's reflection each evening. Re-read the day's antiphon and listen again to the musical reflection.

Learn more:
> The O-Antiphons in Advent
> The O-Antiphons--A Soothing Balm for Traumas
> How the O-Antiphons Direct Our Gaze to the Coming of Our Savior
> The Power and the Beauty of the O-Antiphons

[Last Update: 12.14.22]