Church of St. Mary at Clinton Heights

O Clavis David: “O Key of David,

O royal Power of Israel controlling at your will the gate of Heaven:

Come, break down the prison walls of death for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death;

and lead your captive people into freedom.”

O Radix Jesse: “O Flower of Jesse’s stem,

you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples;

kings stand silent in your presence;

the nations bow down in worship before you.

Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.”

O Adonai: “O sacred Lord of ancient Israel,

who showed yourself to Moses in the burning bush,

who gave him the holy law on Sinai mountain:

come, stretch out your mighty hand to set us free.”

The “O Antiphons” are ancient pleas or antiphons or verses of prayer used to assist the faithful in our immediate preparation during the days leading up to the celebration of the Birth of the Lord Jesus.

O Sapientia: “O Wisdom, O holy Word of God,

you govern all creation with your strong yet tender care.

Come and show your people the way to salvation.”