Whether Advent is a favorite time in the church for you or you are brand new to the concept, this years Advent practice is new and full of opportunity to experience something really special and meaningful.
Among the richest treasures of Advent are the Great "O Antiphons." The Antiphons are a series of seven ancient verses that use prophecy and biblical imagery to express the ever-present longing for Christ. They're beautiful, theologically deep poetry.
Traditionally sung the seven days before Christmas they serve as the “heralds of Christmas," reminding us that the fast of Advent is almost over and the feast of Christmas is almost here.
We will be learning them one week at a time, as we keep the ritual of lighting the candles. We are slowing down Advent and the rush to Christmas. Through the experience we hope those who participate will find deeper meaning in the season of Advent and Christmas.
The Antiphons may be ancient, but they speak across the ages. Preceded by the poetic “O” to express yearning and wonder, each prays for Christ to come and adds a different dimension to that prayer: teach, redeem, deliver, lead, enlighten, and save. (The prayer “Come and save” appears twice, surely because it is the deepest cry of our hearts.)
Origin: The Antiphons are old. They date at least to the 8th century, and probably earlier. If you think they sound familiar, you’re right -- the Advent hymn O Come, O Come, Emmanuel is actually a synthesis of the Antiphons.
The Gospel story: The story of the Gospel unfolds progressively in the Antiphons. 1) tells of creation. 2) recounts God’s giving of the Law to Israel. 3), we remember that out of Israel, from the line of Jesse, came Jesus, the promised Messiah. 4 and 5) are allusions to Christ’s death and resurrection. 6 and 7) foreshadow the Last Days when Christ, the hope of nations, will come again to save.