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 Isaiah 11:1, 10 and the “O Root of Jesse” antiphon. 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 Root of Jesse, who stands as an ensign to the peoples, before whom kings close their mouths, whom the nations seek, come to deliver us, wait no more.”
Note: the antiphon connects the passage about the Messianic king with the revelation of the suffering Servant in Isaiah 52:15.
Isaiah 11:1, 10:
There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.
In that day the root of Jesse shall stand as an ensign to the peoples; him shall the nations seek, and his dwellings shall be glorious.
