O Wisdom - The Great O Antiphons

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 sapientia quae ex ore altissimi prodisti
attingens a fine usque ad finem fortiter
suaviter disponensque omnia:
Veni ad docendum nos viam prudentie.

Translation:
O Wisdom,
which camest out of the mouth of the most high,
and reachest from one end to another mightily,
and sweetly ordering all things.
Come and teach us the way of prudence.

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