In this post I will be sharing my free printable O Antiphons for Advent in English and Latin.
Christmas is near and things are getting cheery!
I love praying with the beautiful O Antiphons as we approach one of my favourite times of the year.
But first! A little background..
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What are O Antiphons?
The O Antiphons, also known as the Great Advent Antiphons or Great Os, are a series of seven antiphons that are recited or chanted preceding the Magnificat during Vespers of the Liturgy of the Hours.
Each of the seven O Antiphons begins with the vocative particle “O” and is a title of Christ, one of his prophetic titles mentioned in Scripture.
They are:
- O Sapientia (O Wisdom)
- O Adonai (O Lord of Israel)
- O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse)
- O Clavis David (O Key of David)
- O Oriens (O Radiant Dawn)
- O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations)
- O Emmanuel (O God With Us)
The O Antiphons are an ancient tradition, dating back to at least the sixth century, and are an important part of the spiritual preparation for Christmas for Catholics and many other Christian denominations.
When are O Antiphons used?
The O Antiphons are used during Advent, for seven days leading up to Christmas Eve. On Christmas Eve, all seven are sung.
The O Antiphons cover the special period of Advent preparation known as the Octave before Christmas, from December 17 to 23, with December 24 being Christmas Eve.
What Else is cool about the O Antiphons?
The original compilers of the O Antiphons, the ancient monks, thoughtfully arranged these prayers in a unique order.
By taking the first letter of each antiphon, beginning from the last and proceeding to the first, in their Latin form, the phrase “ERO CRAS” emerges.
This meaningful arrangement translates to “Tomorrow I will come,” amplifying the anticipation of the coming Messiah during the Advent season.
O Antiphons in English and Latin
First, here are the O Antiphons in plain, everyday English:
- O Wisdom, O holy Word of God, you govern all creation with your strong yet tender care: Come and show your people the way to salvation.
- O Sacred Lord of ancient Israel, who showed yourself to Moses in the burning bush, who gave him the holy law on Sinai mountain: Come, stretch out your mighty hand to set us free.
- O Root of Jesse, you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples; kings stand silent in your presence; the nations bow down in worship before you. Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.
- O Key of David, O royal Power of Israel, controlling at your will the gate of heaven: Come, break down the prison walls of death for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death; and lead your captive people into freedom.
- O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: Come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.
- O King of all the nations, the only joy of every human heart; O Keystone of the mighty arch of man: Come and save the creature you fashioned from the dust.
- O Emmanuel, king and lawgiver, desire of the nations, Savior of all people: Come and set us free, Lord our God.
This is an older, more traditional translation of the Latin into English. The language is very elegant and beautiful, so I wanted to include it.
- O Wisdom that comest out of the mouth of the Most High, that reachest from one end to another, and orderest all things mightily and sweetly, come to teach us the way of prudence!
- O Adonai, and Ruler of the house of Israel, Who didst appear unto Moses in the burning bush, and gavest him the law in Sinai, come to redeem us with an outstretched arm!
- O Root of Jesse, who stands for an ensign of the people, before whom kings shall keep silence and unto whom the Gentiles shall make supplication: Come to deliver us, and tarry not.
- O Key of David, and Scepter of the House of Israel, who opens and no man shuts, who shuts and no man opens; Come and bring forth the captive from his prison, he who sits in darkness and in the shadow of death.
- O Dawn, splendor of eternal light, and sun of justice, come, and shine on those seated in darkness, and in the shadow of death.
- O King of the Gentiles and their desired One, the Cornerstone that makes both one; Come, and deliver man, whom You formed out of the dust of the earth.
- O Emmanuel, God with us, our King and Lawgiver, the expected of the nations and their Savior: Come to save us, O Lord our God.
Finally, here are the O Antiphons in Latin:
- O Sapientia, quæ ex ore Altissimi prodiisti, attingens a fine usque ad finem, fortiter suaviterque disponens omnia: veni ad docendum nos viam prudentiæ.
- O Adonai, et Dux domus Israel, qui Moysi in igne flammæ rubi apparuisti, et ei in Sina legem dedisti: veni ad redimendum nos in brachio extento.
- O Radix Jesse, qui stas in signum populorum, super quem continebunt reges os suum, quem gentes deprecabuntur: veni ad liberandum nos, jam noli tardare.
- O Clavis David, et sceptrum domus Israël, qui aperis, et nemo claudit, claudis, et nemo aperuit: veni, et educ vinctum de domo carceris, sedentem in tenebris, et umbra mortis.
- O Oriens, splendor lucis aeternae, et sol justitiae: veni, et illumina sedentes in tenebris, et umbra mortis.
- O Rex Gentium, et desideratus earum, lapisque angularis, qui facis utraque unum: veni, et salva hominem, quem de limo formasti.
- O Emmanuel, Rex et legifer noster, expectatio gentium, et Salvator earum: veni ad salvandum nos, Domine, Deus noster.
Free Printable O Antiphons
Here are my free printable O Antiphons colouring pages and Christmas ornaments. I pray they bless you and your family this Advent.
How to Use:
Finish Advent strong with this digital free printable. These O Antiphon coloring pages and included ornaments can be used to pray quietly, create a banner, decorate the Jesse tree and so on. Perfect for families, parishes, Catholic educators, Sunday school, homeschool, personal devotions, and more.
How to Access the Free Printable
- Drop your email in the box below.
- Check your inbox and click through to the PDF.
- Save it to your computer or phone.
- Print it off at home or at your local printer.
- For personal use only, thanks! Email me if you’d like added permissions.
- Watermark free version may be available on my Etsy shop.
These O Antiphon ornaments would be perfect for adding to your Jesse Tree!
Let’s See It!
I hope your family enjoys this freebie! I would love to see you using this printable. Be sure to tag me @kindlingwild and use #kindlingwild on social media.
No time right now? Pin it for later!
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Thank you! O Antiphons