Advent 4

Wednesday, 21 December 2011 The Great O Antiphons: "O Oriens" The Great O Antiphons December 21: "O Oriens" These Great "O Antiphons" at the Magnificat were first used by the Church in the 8th and 9th centuries. They are said in order, based on various titles for the Christ and are scripturally-based short prayers for the 17th to the 23rd of December. In these "O Antiphons" the Church expresses her deep longing for the coming of the Messiah. Christ, the Resurrection and the Life (See Luke 1:78, 79; Malachi 4:2) O Oriens, splendor lucis aeternae, et sol   justitiae: veni, et   illumina sedentes   in tenebris, et umbra   mortis. O Dawn, splendor of eternal light, and sun of justice, come, and shine on those seated in darkness, and in the shadow of death.