Final days of Advent
Pray the ancient titles of Christ from December 17–23 and prepare your heart for Christmas.
In the final seven days before Christmas, the Church prays the O Antiphons, calling upon Christ with biblical titles that reveal who He is and awaken our longing for His coming. These prayers help the heart move from Advent expectation into Christmas joy.
The O Antiphons are short, ancient prayers traditionally prayed from December 17 through December 23. Each one begins with “O” and addresses Christ by a biblical title. Together, they form a prayerful countdown to Christmas, teaching the soul to long for the Savior.
Today's O Antiphon
The O Antiphons are traditionally prayed from December 17 through December 23. You can still explore each antiphon below and use them to prepare your heart for Christmas.
December 17–23
O Sapientia
Christ is the Wisdom of God.
Ask Jesus to order your mind, decisions, and desires according to the wisdom of the Father.
Prayer
O Wisdom of God, guide my thoughts, teach me Your ways, and lead me in the path of holiness. Come, Lord Jesus.
Heart question: Where do I need Christ’s wisdom before Christmas?
O Adonai
Christ is Lord and giver of the Law.
Ask Jesus to rule your will with mercy and lead you out of slavery to sin.
Prayer
O Lord and Ruler, free me from sin and teach me to follow Your commandments with love. Come, Lord Jesus.
Heart question: Where do I need to surrender control to Christ?
O Radix Jesse
Christ is the promised Savior from the line of David.
Ask Jesus to bring hope into family wounds, history, and places that seem lifeless.
Prayer
O Root of Jesse, bring new life where hope feels buried, and heal what needs redemption. Come, Lord Jesus.
Heart question: Where do I need Christ to bring new life?
O Clavis David
Christ opens what no one can shut.
Ask Jesus to open locked places in your heart and free you from spiritual captivity.
Prayer
O Key of David, open the doors of my heart and free me from what keeps me from You. Come, Lord Jesus.
Heart question: What door in my heart needs Christ’s key?
O Oriens
Christ is the light that breaks into darkness.
Ask Jesus to shine His light into fear, discouragement, confusion, and sin.
Prayer
O Radiant Dawn, shine upon my darkness and guide me into the peace of Your light. Come, Lord Jesus.
Heart question: Where do I need the light of Christ?
O Rex Gentium
Christ is King and desire of all nations.
Ask Jesus to reign over your life, your home, your community, and the world.
Prayer
O King of Nations, reign in my heart and unite all people in Your truth and peace. Come, Lord Jesus.
Heart question: Where do I need Christ to reign more fully?
O Emmanuel
Christ is God with us.
Ask Jesus to dwell with you, remain with you, and prepare your heart for Christmas.
Prayer
O Emmanuel, God with us, come and dwell in my heart. Make me ready to receive You with love. Come, Lord Jesus.
Heart question: How can I welcome Jesus more deeply this Christmas?
Advent to Christmas
| Antiphon | Advent longing | Christmas fulfillment |
|---|---|---|
| O Wisdom | Teach us the way. | The Word becomes flesh. |
| O Adonai | Rule and rescue us. | The Lord comes in humility. |
| O Root of Jesse | Bring hope from David’s line. | Jesus is born of the house of David. |
| O Key of David | Open the way to salvation. | Christ opens the gates of mercy. |
| O Radiant Dawn | Shine in our darkness. | The Light of the World is born. |
| O King of Nations | Unite and govern all peoples. | The Prince of Peace comes. |
| O Emmanuel | Be with us. | God dwells among us. |
Interior preparation
The O Antiphons are not only titles to read. They are invitations to let Christ enter the real places of the heart.
Teach my mind
Rule my will
Heal my roots
Open what is locked
Light my darkness
Reign over my life
Dwell with me
After Christmas
The O Antiphons lead the heart to Christmas. Epiphany extends Christmas joy outward as Christ is revealed to the nations.