O Come, O Wisdom From On High

Today is the start of the traditional O Antiphons, short verses recited or sung before the Magnificat during Vespers (Evening Prayer). The O Antiphons cover the special preparation period known as the octave before Christmas.

O Antiphon for December 17

“O Wisdom, O holy Word of God, you govern all creation with your strong yet tender care. Come and show your people the way to salvation.” Isaiah had prophesied, “The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, a spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord, and his delight shall be the fear of the Lord.” (11:2-3), and “Wonderful is His counsel and great is His wisdom.” (28:29).