Read the Latin first letters of the seven titles backwards (Emmanuel, Rex, Oriens, Clavis, Radix, Adonai, Sapientia) and you get ERO CRAS, “Tomorrow I will be there.” Whether the medieval monks planned it or not, it’s a beautiful message for Christmas Eve’s eve.
Historical Context
St John of Kanty was a professor at the University of Kraków who was famous for giving away everything. Students said he slept on the floor and ate no meat. When robbers once took his money and asked if he had more, he remembered some gold sewn into his cloak, ran after them, and handed it over. They were so ashamed they gave it all back.
O Emmanuel
O Emmanuel, our King and Lawgiver,
the hope of the nations and their Saviour:
come and save us, O Lord our God.
A December 23 Prayer
Lord Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us,
Christmas is almost here.
In all the rush of these last days,
let me not miss you.
Come into my home, my family and my heart.
Be with us, not just on Christmas, but every day.
Amen.
A Prayer with St John of Kanty
St John of Kanty, you gave freely to the poor.
As I wrap my last presents, remind me of those who have nothing.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- On the evening of 23 December, at vespers or before dinner.
- When lighting the Advent wreath for the last time.
- When singing “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.”
Scripture Connection
“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” — Isaiah 7:14
Matthew quotes this verse and translates the name: “God with us.” Every other title in the O Antiphons builds to this one.
Related prayers
For Advent, see the December 21 Prayer and the December Prayer Guide. For Christmas, the Christmas Night Prayer.