Meditations in Antiphons for Early Advent

Meditations in Antiphons for early Advent

by Lexiann Grant

Opposite speaking. That’s literally speaking Greek when you use the word “antiphon.”

“Antiphons are sentences preceding and succeeding…psalms and songs…They seem to answer the purpose of calling attention to what is coming,… They are repeated at the end, as if to fix the impression or the lesson intended,” wrote theologian John Henry Newman in 1840.

Later appointed a Cardinal, Newman additionally said, “Antiphons are not, strictly speaking, prayers, but sentences applied to the particular purpose of meditation, and thanksgiving.”

In the last seven days before Christmas Eve, eight if you’re Anglican, the Great O Antiphons are traditionally used during Morning or Evening Prayer, one per day.

Until we get to December 16th or 17th, my offering for your meditations today are Advent antiphons I wrote in poetic form, as well as some lesser known verses from Advent hymns.

————

Antiphon

   dismal grey

  cloudy

  too warm for winter

Holy

  war

  dispute

  hate & dislike

Holy

  hunger

  filth

  epidemic disease

Holy

   poor

   lost

   miserable

Thy Glory

in the Season

to find

and give

The Peace

  amidst the dark

  and lonely

Joyful Blessed Be.

   hidden,

present

in the Name.

Hosanna.

——————-

Adventipation

The moment 

before

Light breaks 

darkness, barely 

over furthest ridge;

Frost set afire in forested trees –

Mystery

Holiness 

around the corner

between each breath

never caught…

————

“Our hope and expectation,

O Jesus now appear;

Arise thou Sun so longed for,

O’er this benighted sphere!”

    from vs 4, Laurentius Laurenti, translation S.B.Findlater

————

“The King shall come when morning dawns

And light and beauty brings:

Hail, Christ the Lord! Thy people pray,

Come quickly, King of kings”

    Hymns of the Russian Church, translated John Brownlie

————

“You came forth from the eternal God,

and you returned to that same source,…

With God the Father you are one,

and one with us in human flesh,…

Your cradle shines with glory’s light;

its splendor pierces all our gloom…

all praise to you, eternal Word,

all praise, life-giving Spirit praise,”

    from Veni Redemptor gentium, plainsong, Ambrose of Milan

For  more reading of the history of the upcoming O antiphons, see:

https://www.bethlehempriory.com/preparing-for-advent

and

https://ordinariateexpats.wordpress.com/2012/12/16/the-eight-o-antiphons-in-the-anglican-patrimony-begin-today/

Lexiann Grant is a retired writer & author, a former chalicer and layreader, but still an Episcopalian who enjoys encountering God in the mountain backcountry.

Copyrights to “Adventipation” and “Antiphon” are held by the author; please request permission to reprint.

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