December 21: 'O Morning Star, splendour of light eternal and sun of
righteousness. Come and enlighten those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of
death.'
(Note: A literal translation of the Latin yields "O Rising Sun", but
the poetic "O Morning Star" is often preferred).
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).
Wall Hanging Banner: Dye sublimation printing on a 100% close weave,
natural feel polyester material with dowling, tulip wood end caps and gold
effect hanging cord. Fire retardant: BS5867/Type B DIN4102. An extra
depth of approx. 12" should be allowed when measuring to allow for the
hanging cord. A sample of the material can be supplied upon request.
*On orders of 3 of more wall hanging banners, from our extensive range,
a 10% discount will be applied at time of invoice.
Delivery: Please allow 10–14 days from date of order.
