A Nun's Diary

December 25, 2011

The quiet but busy buzz of Christmas preparations is over and as I sit and reflect on the meaning of it all my mind continually goes back to that time early this morning when, after midnight mass, we as a community quietly go out to our very special crèche, which one of the novices had prepared, and kneel in silence for a short time before quietly singing ‘Silent Night’ and ‘Away in a Manger’.  My thoughts wander back in time to the many family Christmas nights I experienced after the family returned home from midnight mass.  So many poignant and happy memories flood my mind and I wonder if

December 24, 2011 "O Mary!"

Mary, although the ancients did not give you a salutation of a great “O”, we do today, as over the days, the years, the centuries you have held us all in your tender care.  All who know and love you and all those who do not yet know you.  You, the silent one behind our loving Advent salutations to your son…..

O Wisdom

O Almighty Lord

O Root of Jesse

O Key of David

O Rising Sun

O King of the People

O Emmanuel

December 23, 2011 "O Emmanuel!"

“A virgin shall conceive a Son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means, GOD IS WITH US.” and “…you will call him JESUS.”

“O God who is with us – Emmanuel – Jesus, come now and save us, our God in the flesh.”

December 22, 2011 "O King!"

“O King of all the nations, the only joy of every human heart; O Keystone of the mighty arch of man, come and save the creature you fashioned from the dust.”

December 21, 2011 "O Radiant Dawn!"

“O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death.”

December 20, 2011 "O Key!"

“O Key of David, O Royal Power of Israel, controlling at your will the gate of heaven: come, break down the prison walls of death for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death; and lead your captive people into freedom.”

December 19, 2011 "O Root of Jesse!"

"O Flower of Jesse’s stem, a sign of God’s love for all peoples; kings stand silent in your presence; the nations bow down in worship before you.  Come; let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.”

December 18, 2011 "O Lord"

“O sacred Lord of ancient Israel, who showed yourself to Moses in the fire of the burning bush, who gave him the holy law on Sinai mountain: come, with outstretched arms and set us free.”

December 17, 2011 "O Wisdom!"

“O Wisdom, O Holy Word of God, you govern all creation with your loving tender care – come and show your people the way to salvation.”

December 10, 2011

As Advent continues and the glorious day of Christmas is in sight I begin to look forward to what is called the “O Antiphons”. So ancient and ever new. From the 17th to the 23rd of December our Cistercian Liturgy gives special place to these ancient antiphons. They originated long before the Cistercian Liturgy and are very much part of the Liturgy of the whole Church during these last days of Advent. The tradition of singing the ‘O Antiphons’ was well established by the 8th Century and were put together by the monks taking various verses from the Prophet Isaiah.

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