Advent Reflections

About the Advent Reflections
The following reflections given for the four Sundays of Advent are based on the ancient “O Antiphons”. These antiphons are based on titles of Jesus and so lend themselves to helping us reflect on who Jesus is. They fill out for us what His name and mission are all about.
They have been used in the Church’s liturgy for centuries in the period from the 17th to 23rd December. They reflect a prayerful longing for the presence or coming of Jesus, which has been promised throughout Scripture. As they pick up on themes of the prophets of the Old Testament who longed to see Jesus, they help us to express the longing in our hearts for Jesus to come as our saviour.

First Sunday in Advent

O Wisdom of the Most High, Ordering all things with strength and gentleness, come and teach us the way of truth. (17th December) Today, as we prepare for the Year of the Holy Name of Jesus (2014), the first Advent title for Jesus that we consider, is the one given to Him on the 17th...

Second Sunday in Advent

O Key of David and sceptre of Israel, what you open no one else can close again; what you close no one can open. O come to lead the captive from prison; free those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. (20th December) In our days, we are familiar with many types...

Third Sunday in Advent

O Rising Sun, you are the spendour of eternal light and the sun of justice. O come and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. (21st December) As we move closer to Christmas, the Church focuses on these special titles of Jesus. They are a good way to deepen our...

Fourth Sunday in Advent

O Emmanuel, you are our king and our law-giver, the One whom the peoples await and their Saviour. O come and save us, Lord, our God. (23rd December) As we continue our preparation for Christmas and the Year of the Holy Name of Jesus (2014), we look at the O Antiphon for 23rd Dec. All...