O Come, O Come Emmanuel...

Dear Friends in Christ,

O Come, O Come Emmanuel…

These words are sung in almost every Episcopal Church during Advent. Sometimes more than once. In fact, this is probably the most well-known Advent hymn, although it has lost popularity recently as an increasing desire among Christians to avoid supercessionism (the traditional Christian belief that Jesus is the fulfillment of Israel and that Jews who do not accept him are no longer God's Chosen people, which effectively dismisses Jewish beliefs and theology) has made its lyrics increasingly controversial. If you look in the hymnal you will see that there are suggested verses for each week of Advent.

The “O” Antiphons of Advent have traditionally been sung in churches during the last week of Advent since the 7th century, as the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23. The repeated use of the word “Come” embodies our desire for Christ as we wait with longing through the dark days of winter and anticipate the return of the light of hope found in the birth of Jesus the Christ. These cries of Advent reflect our experiences of God and call on God to come to our aid.

The season of Advent encourages us to spend time waiting, watching and wondering; reflecting on our vulnerabilities and hopes. The “O” Antiphons are an opportunity for us to invite God to come and show us what we need to know; to comfort us, to reassure us, even to disturb us according to our need; to lead us from the darkness of our own denial into the light of faith and hope.

This is never easy. There was a reason the angels always said, “Be not afraid!” Inviting God into our deepest spaces will not leave us the same as before but can transform us beyond our wildest imaginings.

As we approach the end of the advent season and look toward the birth of God-with-us (which is what Emmanuel means), I invite you to create your own “O” Antiphons this Advent season; to invite God into your hearts and allow the light of hope to transform the darkness of doubt and fear.

The pattern of an O antiphon is as follows:

  • O

  • A title of God or the Messiah.

  • An attribution of God suggested by the title.

  • An invitation to God to act, preceded by the word “Come.”

For example:

  • O

  • Alpha and Omega

  • You are the beginning and the end.

  • Come be with us from birth to death.

Titles or names for God can be found throughout our scripture, or you can use your own. Feel free to browse through these bibles to find inspiration.

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Jane.

Saint Anna