The Great O Antiphons: "O Oriens"

Friday, 21 December 2012   The Great O Antiphons: "O Oriens"
The Great O Antiphons December 21: "O Oriens" 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. The seven "O Antiphons" (also called the "Greater Antiphons" or "Major Antiphons") are prayers that come from the Breviary's Vespers during the Octave before Christmas Eve, a time which is called the "Golden Nights." Each Antiphon begins with "O" and addresses Jesus with a unique title which comes from the prophecies of Isaias and Micheas (Micah), and whose initials, when read backwards, form an acrostic for the Latin "Ero Cras" which means "Tomorrow I come." Those titles for Christ are: Sapientia Adonai Radix Jesse Clavis David Oriens Rex Gentium Emmanuel  These glorious titles in more detail:  http://www.fisheaters.com/customsadvent10.html Title: Meaning: Old Testament prophetic verses: Oriens Radiant Dawn, Dayspring Isaias 9:2 The people that walked in darkness, have seen a great light: to them that dwelt in the region of the shadow of death, light is risen. Malachias 4:1-3 For behold the day shall come kindled as a furnace: and all the proud, and all that do wickedly shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall set them on fire, saith the Lord of hosts, it shall not leave them root, nor branch. But unto you that fear my name, the Sun of justice shall arise, and health in his wings: and you shall go forth, and shall leap like calves of the herd. And you shall tread down the wicked when they shall be ashes under the sole of your feet in the day that I do this, saith the Lord of hosts.