The Great O Antiphons December 22: "O Rex Gentium"

The Great O Antiphons: O Rex Gentium

12/22/2012

Since at least the eighth century, the Great O Antiphons have been sung before and after the Magnificat at Vespers, in the Western Christian tradition, on the seven days preceding Christmas Eve (17-23 December).

Each antiphon uses a different title for the Messiah, and refers to the coming of the Messiah. If you are saying Evening Prayer at home, you may wish to add the appointed antiphon before and after reciting the Magnificat.

The antiphon appointed for today follows:

O King of the nations, and their desire,
the cornerstone making both one:
Come and save the human race,
which you fashioned from clay.

(Text of the antiphon is from Common Worship: Times and Seasons. London : Church House Publishing, 2006).

http://www.stlukeandtheepiphany.org/post/the_great_o_antiphons_o_rex_gentium/