Original graphic by Rochelle Brown from the book The Land of No Color by DMGannon
As Advent draws us closer and closer to the birth of Jesus, the church begins to sing the beautiful expression of its wonder at the event that will occur, when God comes to earth as a human being. Because awe is often expressed with an exclamation, these prayers that begin today through December 24 begin with 'O" and are called The O Antiphons. You may recognize them as the verses from the familiar Advent hymn O Come, O Come Emmanuel.
The first of the O Antiphons begins with Lady Wisdom, the biblical source of knowledge, peace and health. The entire universe is ordered by Sophia Wisdom with strong, loving care. And so today, the church prays:
O Come, O Wisdom from on high,
who governs all things tenderly;
to us the path of knowledge show
and teach us in your ways to go.
Rejoice, rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to you,
O Israel.