O Antiphon Porcelain Christmas Tree Ornament - O Adonai
Porcelain, double sided
Approximately 3.75", includes hanging ribbon (style and color may vary)
Designed and made by the Sisters
The O antiphon prayers attached to the Magnificat at the Hour of Vespers, are beautiful meditations that encapsulate all of the Church’s longing and expectation in Advent. They are the climax of the Advent liturgy, prayed (usually chanted) the seven days before Christmas. This Ornament is printed with the second O Antiphon (O Adonai) sung on December 18th. On the other side is an image Blessed Mother with the Infant Jesus.
Text of Antiphon: "O Adonai, And leader of the house of Israel. who didst appear to Moses in the flame of the burning bush, and gave him the law on Sinai: come and with outstretched arm redeem us."
"O Sovereign Lord! O Adonai! come and redeem us, not by Thy power, but by Thy humility. Heretofore, Thou didst show Thyself to Moses Thy servant in the midst of a mysterious flame; Thou didst give Thy law to Thy people amidst thunder and lightning; now, on the contrary, Thou comest not to terrify, but to save us. Thy chaste Mother having heard the Emperor’s edict, which obliges her and Joseph her Spouse to repair to Bethlehem, she prepares everything needed for Thy Divine Birth. She prepares for Thee, O Sun of Justice! The humble swathing bands, wherewith to cover Thy nakedness, and protect Thee, the Creator of the world, from the cold of that midnight hour of Thy Nativity! Thus it is that Thou willest to deliver us from the slavery of our pride, and show man that Thy Divine Arm is never stronger than when he thinks it powerless and still. Everything is prepared, then, dear Jesus! Thy swathing bands are ready for Thy Infant limbs! Come to Bethlehem, and redeem us from the hands of our enemies."
- Commentary on the second O Antiphon, Father Gueranger, excerpt from the Liturgical year