Universal Utterings

for December 24, 2025

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12-24-2025 The "O Antiphons" of Advent

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The "O Antiphons" of Advent

December 17 O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love: come to teach us the path of knowledge!

December 18 O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come to rescue us with your mighty power!

December 19 O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: come to save us without delay!

December 20 O Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness!

December 21 O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death.

December 22 O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!

December 23 O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law: come to save us, Lord our God!

The Roman Catholic Church has been singing the "O" Antiphons since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23. They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well. Their repeated use of the imperative "Come!" embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah.

The O Antiphons are a series of seven liturgical chants used in the Christian tradition during the final days of Advent, leading up to Christmas. Each antiphon begins with the phrase "O" and addresses Christ with a unique title, reflecting the longing for the Divine Savior. These titles—such as Wisdom, Lord, Root of Jesse, Key of David, Rising Sun, King of Nations, and Emmanuel—are deeply rooted in the prophetic words of the Old Testament.

The verses from which the O Antiphons are derived draw from various passages in the Hebrew Scriptures. For instance, "Wisdom" references Wisdom 8:1 and Isaiah 11:2, highlighting the divine wisdom that will guide God's people. "Lord" speaks to Exodus 3:14, where God reveals His name to Moses, embodying His authority and presence among His people. "Root of Jesse" connects to Isaiah 11:10, a prophetic declaration of the Messiah's lineage.

The "Key of David," taken from Isaiah 22:22 and Revelation 3:7, symbolizes Christ's authority over death and the afterlife. "Rising Sun" refers to Malachi 4:2, expressing hope and healing brought forth by the Messiah. "King of Nations" echoes Jeremiah 10:7, emphasizing His sovereignty over all creation. Finally, "Emmanuel," from Isaiah 7:14, meaning "God with us," encapsulates the essence of the Incarnation.

These antiphons, chanted during the last days of Advent, powerfully express the deep yearning for the Savior, inviting believers to reflect on the coming of Christ into the world. Each title not only highlights aspects of Jesus's nature but also serves as a reminder of the hope and promise found in Scripture. As we await His birth, we echo this ancient cry, longing for the fulfillment of God's promise to be with us always. Amen.

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.

At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to pray:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever.

I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.

I am a poet obedient to Christ,

Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins

†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®

Ephesians 6:17-20

12-24-2025 The "O Antiphons" of Advent

** The "O Antiphons" of Advent**

In the hush of twilight's grace,

As winter whispers soft and low,

We gather round, each heart in place,

To seek the light, the ancient glow.

O Wisdom, born of sacred lore,

From the mouth of God, pure and bright,

You guide our steps through every door,

Illumine shadows, gift us sight.

O Adonai, with might you came,

You held the law within your hand,

In thunder's voice, you called our name,

A shepherd's heart in desert land.

O Root of Jesse, weaving grace,

From humble shoots, you rise and bloom,

In every heart, your holy trace,

Transforming dust to sacred room.

O Key of David, opening wide,

The gates of hope where we abide,

Unlock our hearts, let peace reside,

In every joy, let love confide.

O Rising Sun, break through the night,

Bring warmth and solace to our souls,

In every dawn, a promise bright,

Reclaim our hearts, our broken roles.

O King of Nations, come, we plead,

Unite the world in love’s embrace,

Where justice reigns, there, sow the seed,

And lift each voice, a song of grace.

O Emmanuel, God with us near,

In you, the lost and weary find,

In every sorrow, wipe each tear,

In every heart, your love unbind.

In evening prayer, we sing, we yearn,

For Christ to come, in glory’s beam,

As Advent’s call, our spirits turn,

To greet the light, our sweetest dream.

So let us wait in hope's embrace,

With each O Antiphon, we rise,

Together bound, as we seek grace,

Till love’s own dawn lights up the skies. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

December 24, 2025 @ 04:53 AM EST

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