O antiphons

The Octave before Christmas is December 17—23. O Antiphons are seven responses that are sung or recited to introduce the canticle of Mary (The Magnificat) at evening prayer the Octave before Christmas.

The antiphons are based on Isaiah’s prophecies and refer to the different ancient titles given to the Messiah. Each begin with the exclamation” O” and each ends with a plea for the Messiah to come. A wonderful way to focus on the “reason for the season” or to help put “Christ back into Christmas” is to Pray the Antiphons during the Octave of Christmas.

Located in the back of the church is a helpful booklet with the Antiphons, scripture references and prayers to assist in this prayer form during the Octave.