The Great O's of Advent
Sundays, Nov 30, Dec 7, & Dec 14 | 9:45 am | Parlor
Come to learn about these special prayers traditionally sung the week before Christmas in many Christian traditions. These are petitions for the coming of hope into the world - all taken from the Book of Isaiah. Stacy Ikard and Anne Nabors will lead us as we study the Bible, listen to the music and consider the spiritual significance of these ancient yet very relevant prayers of longing.
The first week of the "Great O's of Advent" class, led by Rev. Stacy Ikard and Anne Nabors, introduces the O Antiphons—seven potent prayers sung during the final days of Advent (December 17-23). The Antiphons as short verses used to focus attention on Christological themes, noting their distinct three-part structure: an acclamation beginning with "O," an invocation developing Christ's title, and a supplication asking God to "COME" and act.
In week 1 we explore the first two Antiphons: O Wisdom, which connects Christ to the divine wisdom present at Creation, and O Adonai (Sacred Lord or Leader), which reflects on Jesus as the Law-Giver and Rescuer of Israel.
Week 2 of the "Great O's of Advent" class, taught by Rev. Stacy Ikard and Anne Nabors, focuses on Christ's heritage through the Antiphons O Root of Jesse and O Key of David. Also included is an examination of the history of the hymn "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," revealing its origin as a metrical paraphrase of all seven O Antiphons, demonstrated in song!
In the final week of the "Great O’s of Advent," Rev. Stacy Ikard and Anne Nabors guide the class through the final three prayers of the series: O Rising Sun, connecting the Winter Solstice to Christ as the "Dayspring" who brings justice and light; O King of All Nations, identifying Jesus as the unifying Cornerstone who heals human division; and finally O Emmanuel, moving to understand "God-with-us" as a powerful reality of divine solidarity and advocacy through the Holy Spirit.
