Praying with the O Antiphons of Advent
This Christmas Novena begins on December 16. It is prayed for nine consecutive days, from December 16 through December 24, as a spiritual preparation for the celebration of the Birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ. This novena is prayed in conjunction with the ancient O Antiphons of Advent, presented below, and may also be prayed at any other time. May these days of prayer help us welcome Christ more fully into our hearts this Christmas.
Praying with the O Antiphons of Advent
As the Church enters the final and most intense days of Advent, from December 16 to December 24, we are invited into a sacred journey of longing, hope, and joyful expectation. The Christmas Novena draws us into deeper communion with the Church’s liturgy, especially through the O Antiphons, which are traditionally proclaimed during Evening Prayer (Vespers) in the days leading up to Christmas.
This novena is not simply a countdown to Christmas Day; it is a spiritual pilgrimage of the heart. Each day draws us closer to the mystery of Christ’s coming, helping us recognize Him as the fulfillment of God’s promises and the answer to humanity’s deepest longing.
The Meaning of the Christmas Novena
The word novena comes from the Latin novem, meaning nine. For nine consecutive days, the faithful unite in prayer, reflecting on God’s saving plan and asking for the grace to welcome Christ more fully into their lives. Beginning on December 16, the novena mirrors the Church’s intensified expectation of the Messiah and echoes the ancient cry of Israel: “Come, Lord Jesus!”
This novena is especially powerful because it aligns closely with the Church’s liturgical rhythm. As Scripture readings, hymns, and prayers turn our focus toward the nearness of Christmas, the Christmas Novena helps us slow down, refocus, and prepare spiritually amid the busyness of the season.
The O Antiphons: Ancient Cries of Hope
At the heart of the Christmas Novena are the O Antiphons, ancient titles of Christ drawn from Sacred Scripture, particularly from the Book of Isaiah. Each antiphon begins with the exclamation “O”, expressing awe, longing, and deep desire for the coming Savior.
These antiphons are prayed from December 17 to December 23, each revealing a unique aspect of who Christ is and what He comes to accomplish:
- December 17 – O Wisdom (O Sapientia): Christ, the eternal Wisdom of God, who orders all things.
- December 18 – O Lord (O Adonai): Christ, the Lawgiver and Lord of Israel.
- December 19 – O Root of Jesse (O Radix Jesse): Christ, the promised Messiah from the lineage of David.
- December 20 – O Key of David (O Clavis David): Christ, who opens what no one can shut and frees us from bondage.
- December 21 – O Rising Sun (O Oriens): Christ, the Light who dispels darkness and overcomes death.
- December 22 – O King of Nations (O Rex Gentium): Christ, the King who unites all peoples.
- December 23 – O Emmanuel: Christ, God with us, dwelling among His people.
When read together, the first letters of the Latin titles form an acrostic in reverse: ERO CRAS — “Tomorrow, I will come.” This hidden message beautifully proclaims the nearness of Christmas and the fulfillment of our hope.
Why Pray the Christmas Novena?
Praying the Christmas Novena helps us to:
- Prepare our hearts spiritually for the birth of Christ
- Deepen our understanding of who Jesus is
- Unite personal prayer with the prayer of the universal Church
- Cultivate patience, hope, and joyful expectation
- Step away from distractions and refocus on the true meaning of Christmas
In a world filled with noise, haste, and pressure, this novena calls us to quiet reflection and faithful waiting. It reminds us that Christmas is not only a historical event, but a living reality—Christ desires to be born anew in our hearts.
How to Pray the Christmas Novena
The Christmas Novena may be prayed individually, as a family, or in community. Each day typically includes:
- An opening prayer
- Reflection on the day’s O Antiphon
- A Scripture-based meditation
- Personal intentions
- A concluding prayer
Even a few moments of sincere prayer each day can transform our Advent journey, opening our hearts to grace and renewal.
As we begin the Christmas Novena on December 16, let us enter these sacred days with renewed faith and longing. May the ancient cry of the Church become the prayer of our own hearts: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” May this novena help us welcome Christ not only into the manger of Bethlehem, but into every corner of our lives, bringing light where there is darkness, peace where there is turmoil, and hope where there is weariness.
Come, Lord Jesus. Amen. 🙏🏽
CLOSING PRAYER (To be said after the interessions each day of the novena): Let us pray. Come and dwell among us, Lord, that we may always receive Your forgiveness and mercy. Jesus our King, clothed in the robe of our humanity, grant us love, wisdom, and understanding as we celebrate Your birth. Reveal to us the mystery of Your life, and send us forth to proclaim Your Word throughout the world. You who live and reign with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, world without end. Amen. 🙏🏽
CHRISTMAS NOVENA | DECEMBER 16TH –24TH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/christmas-novena-december-16-24/
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