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Messianic Antiphons      

Richard Andrewes

 The wonderful Advent hymn O come, O come Emmanuel (NEH 11) is based on the ancient antiphons used for the Magnificat on the seven days leading up to Christmas (December 17-23), all starting with the invocation “O”. The first verse of the hymn is actually the last antiphon for December 23rd. The old English Hymnal has only 5 verses, not in the liturgical order, however the New English Hymnal, though it starts with the 7th antiphon gives the other verses in the correct order (1-6).

 Most recordings use the 5-verse version, but this lovely recording by the Ely Cathedral choir (with the girls rather than the boys) uses the NEH version with all seven verses, arranged and directed by Sarah Macdonald.

 Here are the Common Worship Daily Prayer versions of the antiphons, for you to think about. The invocations are to Old Testament references to the Messiah; the main text of each verse is derived from the prophecies of Isaiah:

 17th O Wisdom, coming forth from the mouth of the Most High, and reaching mightily from one end of the earth to the other, ordering all things: Come and teach us the way of prudence.

 18th O Adonai, and leader of the House of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai: Come and redeem us with an outstretched arm.

 19th O Root of Jesse, standing as a sign among the people, before whom kings shall shut their mouths and whom nations shall seek: Come and deliver us, and do not delay.

 20th O Key of David and sceptre of the House of Israel; who opens and no one can shut, shuts and no one can open:  Come and bring the prisoners from the prison house, who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.

 21st O Dayspring, splendour of light eternal and sun of righteousness:  Come and enlighten those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.

 22nd O King of the nations, and their desire, the cornerstone making both one: Come and save us, whom you formed from the dust.

 23rd O Emmanuel, our king and lawgiver, the desire of all nations and their Saviour: Come and save us, O Lord our God.

 You can find out more about the texts and the carol here and here