Count down to Christmas with O Antiphons

Updated Dec. 13, 2024

An antiphon is verse that is sung or recited to give emphasis to what follows, such as a prayer, psalm, Scripture or canticle. The O Antiphons are an ancient, Advent tradition that refer to the seven antiphons that come before the Magnificat (Canticle of Mary) in the Evening Prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours from Dec. 17-23. 

They cover the special time of Advent known as the Octave before Christmas, with Dec. 24 being Christmas Eve and Vespers for that evening being for the Christmas Vigil. 

The Roman Church has had this tradition since at least the eighth century. According to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the O Antiphons 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." See a list of the Old Testament Scriptures that form the seven antiphons or pray the O Antiphons. And here's a way to teach it to kids.

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Lessons and Carols is a liturgy with Scripture

The Festival of Lessons and Carols is a liturgy with Scripture and song that dates back to the 19th century. It includes nine Scripture lessons that recount the fall of man, the promise of a Messiah, incarnation and the great commission to preach the Good News. Each lesson is followed by a carol or other song that reflects the lesson's message along with a brief prayer. Parishes including the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Little Rock offers this traditional Advent service, which includes several choral pieces and congregational hymns and prayers. If you miss it in person, we recommend you visit the USCCB website to pray the Nine Lessons and Carols online.

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Novenas, prayers for others prepares our hearts

Praying a Christmas novena, from Dec. 16-24, offers a great way to dive into the Scriptures and spiritually prepare for the birth of Jesus. Here are three options to consider: International Marian Library Christmas Novena, EWTN Christmas Novena or the Catholic Culture Christmas Novena. Nov. 30 is the feast day of St. Andrew, the Apostle. Here's a novena that begins on his feast day.

Submit a prayer request to our Prayer Book of Intentions Online any time of the year, but during Advent we are called to practice sacrifical good works as we prepare for the coming of the Lord. In addition to submitting your requests, we recommend you add all the prayer requests posted to our website to your daily prayer throughout Advent. You can never have too many people praying for those in need. Below are several other options to consider: Advent Prayers for Hallow; Advent Family Prayer and Advent Mealtime Prayers; Advent Meditations (Dec. 16-24); Advent Meditation with a Crèche; Litany to Jesus in the Womb of Mary; Magnificat Reflection or Advent Weekly Video Reflections.

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Advent hymns and carols helps us sing our prayers

If you love to sing your prayers, check out the Antiphons of the Blessed Virgin Mary or Marian Music of Advent. Also available is a list of traditional Advent hymns and chants and Singing the Joys of Advent. Want to know how the Christmas custom of caroling came about? How about the history of Christmas carols and hymns? You might also want to view these lists of the 20 Best Religious Songs for Advent or popular Christmas carols to see how they compare to your favorites. There are also an online radio station that plays Christmas carols 24-hours-a-day at iHeartChristmas.