The "O" Antiphons

"The Roman Church has been singing the "O" Antiphons since at least the eighth century. .They are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23. They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well. Their repeated use of the imperative "Come!" embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah."

 O Wisdom of our God Most High,
guiding creation with power and love:
come to teach us the path of knowledge.(USCCB website)

Most Catholics don't realize that the verses of  Advent in the hymn, O, Come O Come, Emmanuel, are based on these antiphons (short verses that are prayed as part of Vespers). The Gregorian melody accompanying the Latin text is both haunting and plaintiff. It's as if our souls cry out for the coming of the Savior and the gifts he brings, for example, wisdom which guides all creation "mightily and sweetly ordering all of it from end to end. We beg for knowledge,or in another translation, prudence, which we need so desparately.  Let us spend the day seeking this wisdom and trying to live it.
Bro. Rene