O Adonai

Adonai was one of the names for God among the Hebrews. It might be translated as Lord or Leader: "O Adonai and Leader of the house of Israel, you appeared to Moses in the flame of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai: come, and with an outstretched arm, redeem us." The burning bush brings us back to the Exodus, as meaningful as it is for Jews, it is THE symbol of the redemption of our souls, begun so long ago with the call of Moses. Empowered by this vision and God's assurance that he would be with him, Moses braved the audience with Pharaoh, and took on the leadership of the Hebrews. With an outstretched arm he parted the Red Sea, which allowed the people to escape Pharaoh's army and eventually reach the Promised Land. It is Jesus who brings us through the waters of baptism to the "promised land" of new life in God, culminating in union with him in heaven. This terse antiphon captures these mighty events and reminds us what a great mystery it is we celebrate. And no mention of Rudolph or Frosty. Hmmm.
Bro. Rene