The Roman 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 Divin

Bishop Reed reflects on and chants the O Antiphon for this evening: O Clavis David. Pray with him here: | The CatholicTV Network

O Clavis David (O Key of David) performed by Benjamin Jardim, Sam Poppleton, Adelina Godinho, St George’s Cathedral Choir Members. This is the fourth of the ‘O’ Antiphons (Great Advent Antiphons), which have been prayed in the Catholic Church since the 8th Century in the seven days before Christmas. They make this time of preparation for the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ holy, allowing us the opportunity to meditate on Christ’s coming and what it means for us. Based on Old Testament Scripture t

December 20th, “O Clavis David!”: O Key of David and Sceptre of the House of Israel, Who opens and no one can close, Who closes and no one can open: Come, and rescue the bound from the house of prison, sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death. #chant #advent #christmas #oantiphons | Sisters of St. Thomas Aquinas

The "O" Antiphons express the Church's deep longing for the coming of Jesus Christ our Savior. Beginning on Dec 17th and continuing until Christmas, an antiphon is sung at Evening Prayer which calls on the Lord under a significant title from the Scriptures. These prayers are also featured in the song "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" which likewise expresses our deep desire for Christ to come. Please join us this year as we meditate each day on the "O" Antiphon and join in the yearning of all creation

The O Antiphons, sung with the Magnificat during Evening Prayer from December 17–24, use Old Testament imagery to announce Christ’s coming as the Church prepares for Christmas. ‘O Adonai’ in Latin, calls Jesus the Lord of Israel, the God who spoke from the burning bush and gave the Law to Moses, reminding us that Christ is God eternal who entered history to free us from sin and death. | Archdiocese of Bombay