Artwork by the Benedictine Sisters of Turvey Abbey
Christmas Day: 'Wonderful Exchange! The Creator of the human race took
to himself a human body and was born of a virgin, and becoming man he granted
us divinity.'
This antiphon comes from the Greek Liturgy, and was, until Vatican II,
also part of the Roman Liturgy of January 1. The whole mystery of Christmas is
summed up here, God's plan for the human race, the pattern of all Christian life.
"The Spirit bears witness that we are God's children", wrote St Paul,
"God's heirs and Christ's fellow heirs, sharing his suffering now and his
glory hereafter." (Romans 8:16-17)
"God became man, so that man might come to share God's life," wrote
St Irenaeus, and, "Let us become gods through Christ, since Christ became
man through us."(St Gregory of Nazianzen)
The O Antiphons are a highlight of the Church's Advent Liturgy: from
December 17th - 23rd they frame the Magnificat at Vespers.
Rich in symbolism and meaning they take us right from the beginning of
creation, through the centuries of the world's waiting for the promised
Messiah, calling upon him who was hidden in signs and symbols, and revealed
when the fullness of time had come, leading us to the Mystery of the
Incarnation and beyond, to the Paschal Mystery, the coming of the Holy Spirit
and the Parousia (Christ's second coming).
The exact origin of the Latin texts is unknown. They may date from the
sixth century. There is evidence to suggest that the texts were in liturgical
use in Rome in the eighth century. Both the original Latin texts and an English
translation are given here.
Arriving at the 7th Antiphon on December 23rd, we may discover that the
letters of the Latin invocations, read from the last up to the first, form a
wonderful acrostic (ERO CRAS), like God's answer to our prayer:
Dec. 17: Sapienta (O Wisdom)
Dec. 18: Adonai (O Adonai [Lord])
Dec. 19: Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse)
Dec. 20: Clavis David (O Key of David)
Dec. 21: Oriens (O Rising Sun)
Dec. 22: Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations)
Dec. 23: Emmanuel (O Emmanuel)
ERO CRAS: I
WILL BE HERE TOMORROW
Christmas: O Wonderful Exchange (Antiphon from the Greek Liturgy
"O Wonderful Exchange! The Creator of the human race took to himself a
human body and was born of a virgin, and becoming man he granted us
divinity.")
Click here to view all 8 images in greater detail (opens in
new window).
Roller/Pull-up Floor Standing Banner: These banner features
a stylish wave design and supports a two-part, telescopic pole that allows the
banner to achieve a commanding height of up to 2m.and printed on a 300gsm grey
block polymer The banner itself feeds from just above floor level, concealing
the base unit and allowing your design to take centre stage. The compact base
allows the Roller Banner to function in environments where space is limited.
The unit weighs 5.6kg and comes with a padded carry bag.
*180 day warranty from date of delivery with any mechanical or print fault.
Dimensions: 2000mm x 850mm
Delivery: Please allow 10-14 days from date of order.
Click here to view our full range of Roller Banners.
If you have any queries or would like any further information use
our ‘Contact
Us Form’, phone (01702) 218956 or email sales@mccrimmons.com
