Advent Banner: "O Antiphons" by Lois Prahow

"A Liturgical Advent Banner" by Lois Prahlow. Png. not for republishing

The Great O Antiphons of Advent provide the theme for the Advent banner. The originate from the Middle Ages or possibly earlier from St. Gregory the Great, and were sung in Vesper services on the seven days before Christmas. Each antiphon is a prayer beginning with “O” which address the long-awaited Messiah by a name or title from Scripture, imploring Him to come and save, redeem, teach, deliver, enlighten, and rescue His people.

1. Immanuel: Isaiah 7:14
2. Lord: Isaiah 3:15
3. Wisdom: Isaiah 11:2
4. Root of Jesse: Isaiah 11:1
5. Dayspring: Malachi 4:2
6. King of Nations: Zechariah 9:9
7. Key of David: Isaiah 22:22

The spiral format brings to mind the words of the Advent prayer, “Stir up your power, O Lord, and come.” The banner design focuses centrally on the appearance of the Word made flesh who did come to save us, namely, the infant Jesus resting in the arms of Mary, His virgin mother (John 1:14). Pattern copyrighted by Lois Prahlow.

• 'O Antiphons': Yesterday's Wisdom For Today's Pressures