of liturgical Song which are sung each evening at the Magnificat at vespers, from December 17 to December 23.

Addressing Christ in seven magnificent titles,they beg Him with mounting impatienceto come to save His people.

Let us recollect ourselves in order to join the Church with all the fulness of our hearts and enter into her spirit.

We sing them at the Magnificat to underline that the Saviour will come through Mary. These wonderful antiphons contain the marrow of the Advent Liturgy.

You choose Bethlehem in which to be born for Bethlehem means House of Bread. Thus you show us you want to be our bread, our food of Life.

O Wisdom of the Father, living bread from Heaven. Come into us quickly. Illuminated by your light may you give us the prudence that leads to salvation.

December 17

December 18

O Lord supreme ! Adonai, come and redeem us not anymore by your power but by your humility.

Once You have appeared to Moses in the midstof the divine flame. You gave the law to your peoplewith thunders and lightning. What matters now is not fear, but that you might save us.

Everything is ready, O Jesus. Your swaddling clothes await You. Come to Bethlehem to redeem us from the hand of our enemies.

December 19

O Son of Jesse, now you go to the city of your ancestors. The ark of God, the Virgin Mary, with the Lord in her bosom, rises and hastens to the place of her rest.

Our hearts, follow you, and like your royal ancestor, desire to become a dwelling place for the Lord, O Root of Jesse !

O Messiah ! Make haste. Come master all our enemies and deliver us.

December 20

O Son of David, Heir of his power and Throne; come speedily, open the gates with your almighty key.

Our heart, is too often the slave of its inclinations which it retracts. Come, O divine Liberator , set free all whom you deign to give freedom through your grace and rise in us our brother’s dignity.

December 21

O Divine Sun, you come to detach us from eternal Night Blessed are you for ever !

O Jesus, increase our faith, but also love. We do not want to leave you until we arrive with you in the happiness of Bethlehem.

December 22

You draw ever nearer Bethlehem, O Jesus, where you are to be born ! Blessed are you, O Expected of the nations ! In the wonders of your power and your goodness.

O Heavenly King ! Come soon and save us,remembering that man is dear to you. O come ! Save us, because you love manfor ever and ever.

December 23

We adore, O Emmanuel, all your footsteps through The world and we admire you for everything. Remember that the hour is near and everything is ready for your birth and come save us.

Come not to be called Emmanuel only, but JESUS, that is

SAVIOUR !

December 24

Know that Today the Lord will come . In the morning you shall see his Glory. Let us enter in the spirit of the Holy Church, let us prepare ourselves in all the joy of our hearts to meet the Saviour who comes to us.