The Great O Antiphons invite Jesus to come. Over the course of the week before Christmas, they address Jesus by seven different Messianic titles or names:
- O Sapientia (Wisdom)
- O Adonai (Lord)
- O Redix Jesse (Root of Jesse)
- O Clavis David (Key of David)
- O Oriens (Dawn)
- O Rex Gentium (King of the Nations)
- O Emmanuel (God with Us)
Read backwards, the first letter of those seven titles form the Latin phrase, “Ero Cras,” which means, “Tomorrow, I will come,” or perhaps, “Tomorrow, I will be (present).”
That’s a promise for you not just on the day before Christmas Eve, but for every day of your life. Jesus is all set; the time is almost here. It could be any minute. The angel armies stand ready; the Last Trumpeter is warming up backstage.
Your God is coming to save. You won’t have to wait forever. The journey may get long or dark or confusing, but final Homecoming is just around the corner! It won’t be long now! Come, Lord Jesus!
Revelation 22:16-17, 20-21 (NIV)
“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”
The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.
He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.
Prayer
Come, Lord Jesus, be my Wisdom, and order all things by your power. Come, Great I AM, and guide me in my wilderness wanderings. Come, O Root of Jesse, be my rally banner, and bring me Home.
Jesus, you have ultimate access and authority in my life; come, be present for me. Jesus, you conquered the darkness of death; come, shine in my life. Jesus, you have torn down the walls of separation; come, be my King of Peace.
Come, Emmanuel, come; and do not delay. Come quickly to rescue your people, O Lord. Amen.