Beginning on December 17th, the Roman Church enters a privileged time of Advent. These are the days when our hearts are most stirred toward the hope of the coming of our Lord. As children, many of us could hardly contain our excitement because Christmas was so close; many of us had seen the number of presents under the tree growing; some grew in anticipation of family that would be arriving soon, looking forward to going to visit family. If all of Advent is a time of expectant waiting; sitting always on the verge, so close to stumbling forward that a deep breath may push us over; hearing that first foot fall of a long awaited loved one, yet stalled in silence awaiting the call of their voice, then this final week is the time when the Church reminds us of what is lying just ahead and who our long awaited beloved is.
The O Antiphons of Advent have been with the Church for over 1,200 years. To put it into perspective, St. Ethelbert, the first Christian King of England would have sung these for his entire life–the O Antiphons are older than Christianity in England. These are sung as part of the Divine Office. They are the antiphons which accompany the Magnificat, Mary’s prayer that she offered at her visit to Elizabeth, as part of Evening Prayer.
The O Antiphons recollect our hope in the one who is to come, not only by recalling his names through the imagery of the Old Testament, but reminding us to be active and call upon him. We do not wait apathetically and passively, but with expectation as we cry out: O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come to rescue us with your mighty power! (The antiphon for Sunday, Dec. 18th)
We are reminded both of who Christ is and to pray for the salvation of the world and all whom we love. Christian prayers and anticipation are not like a child’s who can barely wait to open his own presents, but are offered for the world. Today’s antiphon names the Messiah as the Leader, or head, of the household of Israel. He leads, we follow. We are not lead alone, but as part of a family. He is also the one who gave the Law to Moses, such that even Moses followed him and listened to him. And we ask that he rescue us.
In these last days of Advent, and in preparation to receive the gift of Christ to your life, It is a good practice to pray the Magnificat each night, along with the O Antiphon. To sing with the Blessed Mother of God and join in her love and anticipation of the birth of our Lord.
