The O Antiphons Rosary: A Meditative Prayer for December 17–23
- Fiach OBroin-Molloy
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
The final days of Advent carry a quiet intensity, and few traditions capture this better than the O Antiphons—seven ancient prayers sung from 17–23 December. Each antiphon calls Jesus by a prophetic title from Scripture, expressing a longing for His coming. Praying them with the rosary creates a beautiful, contemplative devotion for the last stretch before Christmas.
What Are the O Antiphons?
Dating back to at least the 6th century, the O Antiphons are short prayers beginning with “O…” and ending with a plea: “Come!”They form the heart of the Church’s evening prayer in the week before Christmas.The titles are:
O Wisdom
O Lord (Adonai)
O Root of Jesse
O Key of David
O Radiant Dawn
O King of the Nations
O Emmanuel
Together, their Latin initials SARCORE form the acrostic “ERO CRAS” — “Tomorrow I will come.”
How to Pray an O Antiphons Rosary
Use a standard rosary, praying one antiphon at the start of each decade.After announcing the mystery, slowly pray the day’s antiphon, then continue the decade as usual.The rhythm of the beads allows the titles of Christ to settle deeply in the heart.
Why This Devotion Enriches Advent
This rosary variation creates a powerful bridge between prophecy and fulfilment.Each antiphon expresses a different hope: wisdom when you feel uncertain, light in winter darkness, freedom when life feels locked or burdened.Praying them across seven days becomes a spiritual countdown—quiet, ancient, and beautifully intentional.
A Prayer Practice for the Whole Family
The O Antiphons Rosary works well for adults and children alike. The imagery—roots, keys, kings, dawn—is simple yet rich. It can be prayed at the dinner table, around the Advent wreath, or as a gentle evening devotion.
A December Tradition Worth Keeping
Whether you pray alone or with family, this seven-day rosary practice gathers up the deepest longings of Advent and carries them straight into Christmas Eve.It’s a simple tradition, yet profoundly rooted in the Church’s history—and a beautiful way to prepare your heart for the coming of Emmanuel.
