Advent Longings: The Great O Antiphons
An Advent Bible Study
Wednesdays in Advent, 7 pm
December 3, 10, & 17
All Saints Conference Room & Zoom
Our Advent Bible Study for 2025 will explore the Great O Antiphons of Advent, which form the verses of the great hymn O Come, O Come Emmanuel. Each verse expresses a particular hope for what the coming of Christ will bring. Our sessions will explore the Scripture and expectation behind each antiphon and how they might shape our hope and devotions today.
Join us on Wednesdays, December 3, 10, & 17 in the All Saints Conference Room. A hybrid option on Zoom will be offered for those who cannot join us in person.
December 3 - O Wisdom: The Longing for the Word
O Wisdom and O Adonai
Christ as the eternal Wisdom of God, ordering creation and redeeming Israel. Our Advent waiting begins with a yearning for divine guidance and understanding.
December 10 - O Root and O Key — The Promise of Liberation
O Root of Jesse, O Key of David, and O Dayspring from on High
Christ as fulfillment of God’s promise to Israel—the liberator who opens doors, breaks chains, and brings light into darkness.
Read Luke 1:59-80 (The Benedictus, verses 67-79)
Key Discussion Points:
What does “the Key of David” unlock in our spiritual lives?
How do these titles connect to themes of freedom, healing, and new beginnings?
How does Christ’s light challenge the darkness of our time?
December 17 - O King and O Emmanuel — The Coming of God Among Us
O King of the Nations and O Emmanuel
Christ as the unifying King who brings peace and dwells with us. The final movement of Advent leads to incarnation—God’s love made flesh.
Additional Resources
Videos (YouTube)
The Great O Antiphons Process from St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, Seattle
St. Mark’s annual Advent Lessons & Carols service adapts the traditional format to focus on the Advent Antiphons as the themes for the Scripture readings, anthems, and hymns.
The Great O Antiphons chanted in Westminster Abbey
Each Antiphon is chanted in by a cantor in Westminster Abbey to the ancient Gregorian tones in both English and Latin.
Websites
Tomorrow, I Come: Art and Meditations for the Final Days of Advent
An 8.5 x 11 print of artwork featuring the O Antiphons and an accompanying digital guide for daily devotions from All The Household Shop website.
Books
O Come Emmanuel: Reflections on the Advent
Published by the Church House Publishing of the Church of England, this book begins with an introduction on the origin and use of the Advent Antiphons, particularly in Anglicanism, and then provides three essays for reflection on each of the antiphons plus Mary’s song, the Magnificat. With 24 essays overall, it becomes a meditative countdown throughout the Advent Season to Christmas.
Hasten the Kingdom: Praying the O Antiphons of Advent
Sister Mary Winifred, founding sister of the Community of the Ascension in Cambridge, Maryland in the Episcopal Diocese of Easton. Her booklet begins with an introduction to the O Antiphons and then provides a liturgical framework for each antiphon for personal or group prayer.