Traditionally, these antiphons, or refrains, all beginning ‘O …’, were sung before and after the Magnificat at Vespers (Evening Prayer), on the seven days preceding Christmas Eve (17–23 December). They address God by scriptural titles and images that describe his saving work in Christ, calling for him to come as our teacher and deliverer. It is not known when and by whom the antiphons were composed, but they were already in use by the eighth century. They are perhaps most familiar to us through the words of the well-known Advent hymn, O come, O come, Emmanuel.
The antiphons are given below, with associated Scripture readings, for those who may want to use them as daily Bible readings or as part of their daily prayer during the last week of Advent.
Parish Church of St Mark Chadderton 