O Dayspring - The Great O Antiphons

21 December - O Dayspring.

The Great O Antiphons are a series of short verses which count down the days to Christmas Eve. Sung at the beginning and end of the Magnificat during Evensong, each antiphon begins with a different name for Jesus. They draw on Scripture to help us learn about who Jesus will be, as predicted by the prophets.

At Westminster Abbey, these antiphons are sung at Evensong from the 17th to 23rd of December. This year, we have recorded them in the Abbey’s beautiful Chapter House and will release a new music video on the appointed day for each antiphon.

Text:
O Oriens,
splendor lucis æternæ,
et sol justitiæ
veni et illumina sedentes
in tenebris, et umbra mortis.

Translation:
O Dayspring
Brightest of light everlasting
and son of Righteousness
Come and enlighten him that
sit in darkness and the shadow of death

Learn more about the O Antiphons at Westminster Abbey: www.westminster-abbey.org/worship-music/services-times/advent-and-christmas/the-great-o-antiphons/
Find out more about Advent & Christmas at the Abbey: www.westminster-abbey.org/worship-music/services-times/advent-and-christmas/