23 December 2006

O Emmanuel!

Today we sing the last of the Great O Antihons. The apostrophe of this last antiphon has become the title (and first verse) for the popular Advent hymn.

O Emmanuel, Rex et legifer noster, expectatio gentium, et Salvator earum: Veni ad salvandum nos Domine Deus noster.
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O Emmanuel, our King and law-giver, the desire of the nations and their Savior: come and save us Lord our God.

Historians who study these antiphons have discovered that the first letter of the Latin titles, spelled backwards reveals: "Ero cras" (I will be tomorrow.) Either the historians need a hobby or the monk who penned these hallowed verses embedded them, from every angle, with hints of the promise that is fulfilled in the incarnation. Presuming the latter, we approach this penultimate day of waiting with great hope for we trust that He, the long-desired of nations, will come and be born again in the hearts of those who seek him. As we make our last-minute preparations these next two days, let us ask for the grace of stillness. Come, Lord Jesus.

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