O Antiphon – O flower of Jesse come deliver us

Artwork by Sister Rosemary Borntrager, SP, 2002.

The Root of Jesse, antiphon, refers to the family descended from Jesse, the father of David, and therefore the root of the house of David. The Jesse tree, common in the land, became the ensign or insignia of the House of David, who succeeded Saul, the first king of Israel.

David’s reign was long and troubled by many wars but at last a time of peace came and David brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem in triumph. The Root of Jesse was a sign of God’s favor on Israel. From David’s house the promised Messiah will come to save the people from their enemies and establish them among the nations.

Jesus is the true and lasting temple of God. How can you prepare his way in today’s troubled world? What can you do to be a sign of his presence?

O Root of Jesse, you stand for an ensign of the people; before you rulers shall keep silence, and to you all nations shall have recourse. Come, save us, and do not delay.

To get your own expanded copy of the Sisters of Providence O Antiphons booklet, visit Linden Leaf Gifts here.

About these O Antiphons

Text (adapted for the blog by Sister Ann Casper) by Sister Ruth Eileen Dwyer (RIP). Artwork by Sister Rosemary Borntrager, 2002.

Among the favorite prayers of the Advent season are the O Antiphons prayed on the closing days of Advent, Dec. 17 to Dec. 23.

Many of the most significant titles of the One who is to come weave together in the O Antiphons to form a biblical account of how Israel awaited the promised Messiah. Their hope-filled longing came to realization in salvation through Jesus the Christ.

The antiphons trace a chronological path through Israel’s history of people and events that led to the coming of the Messiah who brought salvation for the people. The illustrations add visuals for reflection and contemplative insights into the meaning of the antiphons and enhance their beauty.

We invite you to reflect on an O Antiphon each day leading to Christmas. One word dominated this ancient prayer – Come!!!

For what need or desire do you most eagerly pray, “Come, Lord Jesus?”