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 Haggai 2:7 and the “O King of the Nations” 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 King of the nations and their desired one, cornerstone that makes both Jew and Gentile one, come save man whom you formed out of dust.”
Note: “treasures of all nations” (RSV) is “desire of nations” in the KJV, which follows the Latin Vulgate and means “that which the nations desire”. Also see Jeremiah 10:7; Psalms 72:8; Ephesians 2:14, 20; and Genesis 2:7.
Haggai 2:7:
“And I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with splendor, says the LORD of hosts.”
