Countdown to Christmas with O Antiphon Luminaries
O Antiphons
The O Antiphons were first used in the 500s (that’s more than 1,500 years ago!).
What are the O Antiphons?
An antiphon is a prayer that is repeated during the liturgy or time of prayer almost like a refrain.
If you celebrated Advent with The Joy of Advent you may have noticed something about the prayers in mid December. All begin with “O” and a name of Jesus. The oldest Christmas Carol still popular today is O Come, O Come Emmanuel. This carol began as seven O Antiphons (an antiphon is like a refrain) that were sung or chanted in anticipation of Christmas Eve. Most believe the O Antiphons were first used in the 500s (that’s more than 1,500 years ago!). The hymn, first written in Latin, was in use as early as 800 AD.
If you take the first letter of each name for Christ (in the original Latin), starting with Emmanuel, they spell ERO CRAS, which means, “Tomorrow, I will be there.” The song counts down to Jesus’s birth, one letter at a time.
Enjoy the stunning version of O Come, O Come Emmanuel below, and listen for the O Antiphons.
Make a Display of Luminaries
Luminaries are portable, decorative lamps usually lit by candles. Used to light walkways or for home decor, homemade luminaries will remind us of the candles that, according to legend, St. Lucy wore on her head, leaving both hands free to carry more gifts for the persecuted Christians. Do this St. Lucy’s Day craft on December 13th so they will be ready for their first use on the 17th.
Step-by-Step Tutorial
Collect Supplies
See page 82 in The Joy of Advent: Family Celebrations for Advent & the Twelve Days of Christmas for more about the O Antiphons.
You Will Need:
Seven glass jars large enough to hold a flameless votive candle
Seven flameless votive candles
O Antiphon pages printed on copy paper or decal paper (waterproof ink is necessary!)
Mod Podge® or school glue and water
paint brush
decorative items of choice: ribbon, tissue paper, glitter, paint, etc.
Combine equal parts school glue and hot water.
Stir to mix. Lumps are ok!
All you need is glue, brushes, jars!
What to Do:
Cut or tear the O Antiphon and name of Christ for Day 1 (several sizes and styles are provided in the file linked above), or write them on paper with waterproof ink.
Using Mod Podge® or glue mixed 1:1 with water, decoupage the quotes onto your jar. If the paper tears, that’s ok! Just align edges and keep going. Try not to overwork.
We used ordinary school glue mixed with hot water. We loved how the glue dried with a translucent haze. Some glue varieties will dry clear.
Add decorations as desired: tissue paper, glitter, etc. and allow to dry.
Repeat with remaining jars and O Antiphons.
Alternate option:
Decorate a single larger vase with all the Antiphons, fill with battery operated lights and decorations. Encourage children to find the day’s Antiphon and name of Christ on the vase.
O Antiphons Printable
To simplify your celebration, we’ve created a printable with the O Antiphons in different styles and sizes so you don’t have to!
Find full instructions to create a stunning display of O Antiphon Luminaries. Print the stylized text in the included PDF, decoupage on a collection of glass jars or a large vase, decorate, and celebrate the O Antiphon prayers in the days leading up to Christmas. For best results, print in color with waterproof ink.
How to Display & Use Your Luminaries
Display Ideas: Arrange your luminaries on a windowsill, as a tabletop centerpiece, or mantle. Encourage children to find the day’s antiphon each day. You can light just that day’s antiphon jar, all of them, or do what we do. We light the day’s antiphon jar and all previous days so the glow of candlelight gently increases as we get closer to Christmas Eve!
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