In Cathedrals, monasteries, and parishes where Evensong is sung every day, the last week of Advent are attended by the ‘O Antiphons’ prior to the Magnificat at Vespers. “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” a familiar hymn, is drawn from this Tradition.
December 17th: “O Wisdom who came from the Most High: come and teach us the Way of prudence”(Sirach 24:2; Wisdom 8:1).
December 18th: “O Lord and Ruler, who appeared to Moses in flame and gave the law on Sinai: Come and redeem” (Exodus 3:2, 20:1).
December 19th: “O Root of Jesse, who stands as an Ensign for all people: Come to deliver and tarry not” (Isaiah 11:1-3).
December 20th: “O Key of David and Scepter of the House of Israel, who opens and no one shuts: Come and bring forth the captives who sit in darkness and the shadow of death” (Isaiah 22:22).
December 21st: “O Dawn of the East, brightness of the eternal light, and Sun of Justice: Come, and enlighten those in darkness and shadow” (Psalm 19:6-7)
December 22nd: “O King of the Nations: Come and deliver humankind formed of the earth” (Psalm 2:7-8; Ephesians 2:14-20).
December 23rd: “O Emmanuel, God with us: Come and save us, O Lord our God” (Isaiah 7:14; 33:22).
Each of the ‘O Antiphons’ summon us to prepare our hearts and minds and make ready for the birth of Christ our Savior, celebrated this coming Christmas Eve and for the Twelve Days of Festival following!
Blessed Advent,
GFW+
ADVENT LESSONS & CAROLS 2016 may be viewed on You Tube HERE! Or on the parish website HERE!
Obituary for William Cowans, son of the first Rector of St. Edmund’s Parish HERE
The appointed lessons for December 24th, Christmas Eve 4:30pm and 9pm, the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ are HERE
The appointed lessons for December 25th, Christmas Day 10am, the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ are HERE
Read “The Lead” from Episcopal Café HERE
The recent edition of Episcopal News from the Diocese of L.A. may be found HERE, and articles from the national Episcopal News Service HERE
Lost earring found December 18th near South Gate
Verger’s Luncheon at Amigos December 17th: Gary and Cheryl Mendoza, Cynthia and Larry Schulte, Julie Quinn, Patty Tsai-Thurlow, Brad Thurlow, John Quinn and Verger Tony Faught
