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The Advent Antiphons — O come, Desire of nations

Dec 20, 2023

Christmas is almost here, just a few days remain. Today, we listen and reflect on the sixth and next to last antiphon: O come, Desire of nations… This title for the Messiah, for Jesus, begs the question: is he really the Desire of the nations? We look at the words of Haggai the prophet to learn more.

On the podcast during this season of Advent we have been exploring themes within a particular ‘hymn’ that has helped worshippers prepare for Jesus’s arrival. Since the 8th century, the Church has been singing the “O” antiphons. An antiphon is a short sentence sung or recited before or after a psalm or canticle.

The “O” antiphons are so named as each line begins with an “O” — perhaps the most famous of these are the words and verse which begins: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. Altogether, there are 7 antiphons. They are typically said or sung in the evening of the week (December 17-23) leading to Christmas, but for our intents and purposes, we will learn and hear one each week. A short reflection will be followed by the antiphon said and then sung.

From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer.

Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).

Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd, in the Apple and Google store.

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