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It's a Wonderful Life

Do you know about Antiphons? I didn't ; not antonyms, that’s grammar.

Antiphons are not, strictly speaking, Prayers, but sentences applied to the particular purpose of meditation, thanksgiving & …” So an antiphon is a verse that gives emphasis to what follows, such as a prayer, psalm, Scripture or canticle. Canticles, a sacred song or chant, are part of the daily prayers of the Church and often preceded by an antiphon. 

In the tradition of the Jewish synagogue, the apostles and first Christians praised God at least three times daily.

Once known as the Divine Office became known as the Liturgy of the Hours. The laity are encouraged to “recite the divine office [Liturgy of the Hours], either with the priests, or among themselves, or even individually”

Each of the seven antiphons begins by addressing Jesus using an Old Testament title for the Messiah. These seven names or titles, all from the Book of Isaiah, are: 

Dec. 17, O’ Sapientia (meaning O Wisdom

Dec. 18, O’ Adonai (O Lord or Ruler),

Dec. 19, O’ Radix (O Root of Jesse),

Dec. 20, O’ Clavis (O Key of David), 

Dec. 21, O’ Oriens (O Radiant Dawn),

Dec. 22, O’ Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations),

Dec. 23, O’ Emmanuel (O God with Us),

elected verses from the seven antiphons were compiled into the hymn

we today call “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.”

 
Anne