The last period of Advent is traditionally a period to consider the prophecies about Christ Jesus. This last week, we will use the scripture passages that are the basis for the special antiphons for each of the seven days before Christmas. These antiphons were used from the early Middle Ages onwards in Latin-speaking churches at evening prayer from Dec. 17-23. The hymn, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” is based on these seven antiphons.
For today’s meditation, our brother Joseph Mathias provides commentary on the “O Lord of Hosts” antiphon and Exodus 3:2, 6; 6:1. Take a listen or click here to download. If you would like to subscribe to our daily Words from the Servants podcast or download the full list of Advent Meditation Passages we’ll be covering this December, click here.
Antiphon:
“O Lord of hosts, and leader of the house of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the burning bush, who gave him the law on Sinai, come redeem us by your outstretched hand” (Deuteronomy 5:15).
Note: this antiphon shows one traditional understanding, that the burning bush was the pre-existent Word of God, and that likewise it was the Word of God who delivered the law on Sinai. See Exodus 19-20 and Deuteronomy 5:22-24 for the giving of the law on Sinai.
Exodus 3:2, 6; 6:1:
And the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush; and he looked, and lo, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed.
And he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.
But the LORD said to Moses, “Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; for with a strong hand he will send them out, yea, with a strong hand he will drive them out of his land.”
