A Hymn of Longing: Unveiling the Heart of Advent
“O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel!”
At first glance, this cherished melody might seem like just another Christmas carol, but it’s so much more. Rooted in ancient tradition, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” is not a carol at all—it’s an anthem of Advent, a hymn that beckons us to embrace a deeper anticipation.
Advent: A Season of Expectant Waiting
Advent is far more than a countdown to Christmas. These four weeks are a time to focus on Christ as the fulfillment of every prophecy and human longing. The Church, in her wisdom, calls us to prepare our hearts not only to celebrate His birth but also to await His glorious return.
One of Advent’s most profound treasures lies in the verses of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” which are drawn from the ancient “O Antiphons.” These poetic prayers have been a part of the Church’s evening liturgy since before the 9th century. From December 17 to 23, the liturgy shifts into a heightened state of preparation, steeped in the longing expressed through these antiphons.
The Majesty of the O Antiphons
Each antiphon begins with a title of Christ taken from the Old Testament:
- O Wisdom from on High
- O Lord of the House of Israel
- O Root of Jesse’s Stem
- O Key of David
- O Radiant Dawn
- O King of the Nations
- O Emmanuel
These titles evoke the richness of salvation history, blending vivid imagery with heartfelt pleas like, “Come to teach us the path of knowledge!” and “Come to save us without delay!”
Christ Foretold in Scripture
The antiphons are not just poetic; they are profoundly theological, illuminating how Christ fulfills the promises of the Old Testament. For example, Isaiah foretold a Redeemer from the line of Jesse:
“The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding” (Isaiah 11:2).
Isaiah’s prophecies, brimming with hope, look forward to the redemption of Israel and the world—a redemption realized in Jesus Christ. St. Paul captures this beautifully when he declares that Christ is both “the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24).
Christ’s Presence in Salvation History
The antiphons also connect Christ to pivotal moments in the Old Testament. Consider the Dec. 18 antiphon: “O Lord of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai.” This title recalls the awe-inspiring events of Exodus, where God revealed Himself in thunder, fire, and the giving of the Law.
Early Church Fathers saw Christ in these manifestations. St. Justin Martyr and St. Gregory of Nyssa marveled at how Christ, the Eternal Word, was present in the burning bush, the cloud of glory, and the tabernacle in the wilderness.
When we sing “O Adonai,” we acknowledge Jesus as Lord—Adonai, the name spoken in reverence by faithful Jews. St. Paul echoes this reverence in Philippians:
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:10-11).
The Alpha and Omega of Advent
The antiphons also identify Christ as the Alpha and Omega—the beginning and the end. He is the Root of Jesse, the origin of Israel’s lineage, and the Radiant Dawn, the light rising to dispel darkness. He fulfills the promise to David while also being its source.
More Than a Hymn: A Call to Transformation
The “O Antiphons” are far more than historical relics or liturgical verses. They are a spiritual invitation to dive into the mysteries of salvation, to see Christ as the thread woven through all of history.
St. Thomas Aquinas emphasized that the prophets of Israel had real, explicit knowledge of Christ’s mysteries, even centuries before His birth. Jesus Himself affirmed this when He said:
“Abraham rejoiced that he was to see my day; he saw it and was glad” (John 8:56).
Living Advent Daily
Advent is not just a season—it’s a way of life. It’s a time to rekindle our hope, to prepare our hearts, and to await Christ with joyful anticipation. Each “O Antiphon” reminds us of who Jesus is: Emmanuel, God with us.
So as you journey through Advent, let these ancient prayers guide your heart. May they deepen your longing for the One who has come and who will come again.
O Emmanuel, our King and Lawgiver, come to save us, Lord our God!
One More Note: ERO CRAS
These titles—O Sapientia (Wisdom), O Adonai (Lord), O Radix Jesse (Root of Jesse), O Clavis David (Key of David), O Oriens (Radiant Dawn), O Rex Gentium (King of the Nations), and O Emmanuel (God with Us)—express the Church’s longing for the Messiah.
A hidden layer of meaning emerges in their Latin initials: S, A, R, C, O, R, E, which, when reversed, spell “Ero Cras”—Latin for “Tomorrow, I will come.” This beautiful acrostic underscores the heart of Advent: anticipation and hope in Christ’s imminent arrival. The antiphons weave together liturgical poetry and theological depth, linking Old Testament prophecy with its fulfillment in Jesus, while the acrostic is a subtle assurance of His promise to be with us.
Crux Stationalis 