O Antiphon – O Emmanuel come ransom us

Artwork by Sister Rosemary Borntrager, SP, 2002.

Emmanuel, God-with-us, the final antiphon sung on December 23, is one of the most treasured names by which we address God. The Word of God has become flesh and dwells among us!

The great longing for Wisdom to dwell among us comes to fulfillment in the conception of the Son of God in Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit. The Incarnation is the beginning of the divinization open to each one of us, to all men and women whom God loves. For this realization God created our universe, was born among us, died and rose.

How do I respond to this gift of love beyond my understanding?

O Emmanuel, our King and Lawgiver, the Expected of nations and their Savior, come, and save us. Help me to perceive your wisdom and love flowing through the darkness and divisions of my life and that of our world, as well as in the moments of joy and thanksgiving. Come, Emmanuel!

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?”