O Antiphon Porcelain Christmas Tree Ornament - O Rex Gentium
Porcelain, double sided
Approximately 3.75", includes hanging ribbon (style and color may vary)
Designed and made by the Sisters
The O antiphon prayers attached to the Magnificat at the Hour of Vespers, are beautiful meditations that encapsulate all of the Church’s longing and expectation in Advent. They are the climax of the Advent liturgy, prayed (usually chanted) the seven days before Christmas. This Ornament is printed with the sixth O Antiphon (O Rex Gentium) sung on December 22nd. On the other side is an image of the Angel and the Shepherds.
Text of Antiphon: "O King of the Gentiles and the desired of them, The cornerstone that makest both one, come and deliver man, Whom Thou didst form out of the dust of the earth."
"O King of Nations! Thou art approaching still nigher to Bethlehem, where Thou art to be born. The journey is almost over, and Thy august Mother, consoled and strengthened by the dear weight she bears, holds an unceasing converse with Thee on the way. She longs for that happy moment when her eyes shall look upon Thee, and yet she fears it. For how will she be able to render Thee those services which are due to Thy infinite greatness, she that thinks herself the last of creatures? When she reflects that the hour is now near at hand in which, being born of her, Thou wilt require all her care and tenderness, her heart sinks within her; for what human heart could bear the intense vehemence of these two affections—the love of such a Mother for her Babe, and the love of such a creature for her God? But Thou supportest her, O Thou the Desired of Nations! for Thou, too, longest for that happy Birth, which is to give the earth its Savior, and to men that Corner-Stone which will unite them all into one family. Dearest King! be Thou blessed for all these wonders of Thy power and goodness! Come speedily, we beseech Tthee, come and save us, for we are dear to Thee, as creatures that have been formed by Thy Divine hands. Yea, Come, for Thy creation has grown degenerate; it is lost; death has taken possession of it; take it Thou again into Thy almighty hands and give it a new creation; save it; for Thou hast not ceased to take pleasure in and love Thine own work."
- Commentary on the sixth O Antiphon, Father Gueranger, excerpt from the Liturgical year