The antiphons of Advent

suor Marzia Ceschia

The “O” antiphons that are recited for seven days in preparation for Christmas from December 17 to December 23 express astonishment and admiration. The “O” Antiphons are mentioned as early as the sixth century A:D and they entered common use in liturgical celebrations in Rome by the eighth century: they were recited between December 17 and December 23 ending on the eighth day, the day of accomplishment, of full joy, of Jesus’ incarnation which guides us to understand what he has done for us.

From an antiphon to another we are solicited to recognise his face so that we can recognise our own, to be aware of the Father’s love for his creatures because “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life” (John 3,16)... (Continue)

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