December 16, 2025

For more than twelve centuries, the Church has prayed the O Antiphons during the final days of Advent, from December 17 to 23. These short, poetic invocations—sung or recited before the Gospel Canticle at Vespers (Evening Prayer)—express the deepest longings of Israel and the Church for the coming of the Messiah. Each antiphon begins with the exclamation “O” and addresses the Christ with a biblical title drawn from the Old Testament. Together, they form a rich tapestry of prophecy and fulfillment, revealing the identity and mission of Jesus.

The origins of the O Antiphons can be traced to at least the sixth century, and they were certainly in widespread use by the eighth. The Benedictine monks who arranged them recognized not only their theological depth but also their symbolic unity. In fact, when the first letters of their Latin titles—Sapientia, Adonai, Radix Jesse, Clavis David, Oriens, Rex Gentium, Emmanuel—are read backwards, they form the acrostic ERO CRAS, meaning “Tomorrow I come.” Even their structure reflects the joyful expectation of Christ’s nearing presence.

The O Antiphons have shaped the Church’s liturgical imagination across the centuries. They echo most famously in the beloved Advent hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” which paraphrases these ancient prayers and gives voice to our longing for the Savior. Their enduring significance lies in the way they bridge Old and New Testaments, inviting us to contemplate how the promises made through the prophets find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

Each antiphon reveals something essential about the Messiah: He is Wisdom and Light, the Root that gives life, the Key who sets captives free, the King who brings peace, the God-with-us who comes to save. During these days of late Advent, the O Antiphons invite us to slow down, pray with greater attention, and ponder the nearness of Christ.

Below are the seven O Antiphons. Praying them each day from December 17 to 23 can be a meaningful way to prepare spiritually for Christmas:

December 17 – O Sapientia (Wisdom)
O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love, come to teach us the path of knowledge.

December 18 – O Adonai (O Lord)
O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai, come to rescue us with your mighty power.

December 19 – O Radix Jesse (Root of Jesse)
O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people, come to save us without delay.

December 20 – O Clavis David (Key of David)
O Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom, come and free the prisoners of darkness.

December 21 – O Oriens (Radiant Dawn)
O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice, come and shine on those who dwell in darkness.

December 22 – O Rex Gentium (King of the Nations)
O King of all nations and keystone of the Church, come and save humanity, whom you formed from the dust.

December 23 – O Emmanuel (God-with-Us)
O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law, come to save us, Lord our God.