The “O Antiphons” refer to the seven antiphons that are recited (or chanted) preceding the Magnificat during Vespers of the Liturgy of the Hours. They cover the special period of Advent preparation known as the Octave before Christmas, Dec. 17-23. The importance of “O Antiphons” is twofold: Each one highlights a title for the Messiah: O Sapientia (O Wisdom), O Adonai (O Lord), O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse), O Oriens (O Rising Sun), O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations), and O Emmanuel. Also, each one refers to the prophecy of Isaiah of the coming of the Messiah. O Clavis David (O Key of David)
Here are the "O Antiphons" with a family activity for each day:
December 17th: O Wisdom, you come forth from the mouth of the Most High. You fill the universe and hold all things together in a strong yet gentle manner. O come to teach us the way of truth. December 18th: O Lord and leader of Israel, you appeared to Moses in a burning bush and you gave him the Law on Sinai. O come and save us with your mighty power. December 19th: O flower of Jesse, you stand as a signal for the nations; kings fall silent before you whom the peoples acclaim. O come to deliver us, and do not delay. December 20th: O key of David and scepter of Israel, what you open no one else can close again; what you close no one can open. O come to lead the captive from prison; free those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. December 22nd: O King whom all the peoples desire, you are the cornerstone which makes all one. O come and save man whom you made from clay. December 23rd: O Emmanuel, you are our king and judge, the One whom the peoples await and their Savior. O come and save us, Lord, our God.
Since the symbol for wisdom is a book, you could give each child a special book.
Tonight, a fire could be started in the fireplace. The family could gather together and roast marshmallows and drink hot chocolate.
Since the symbol for today is a flower, today you could purcahse a poinsettia.
I can't think of an activity for today : (
December 21st: O Radiant Dawn, you are the splendor of eternal light and the sun of justice. O come and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.
Tonight you could go for a walk or a ride to view the Christmas lights.
Today you could treat the kids to Burger King or they could make a crown cake.
Emmanuel means "God is with us." Since Christ is present to us in the Blessed Sacrament, today you could do a Holy Hour with the family.
