The O Antiphons - December 19 - Root of Jesse!

Image by Tina Manthorpe

(More information on the O Antiphons)
 
December 19
O Radix Jesse



“O Flower of Jesse’s stem, you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples; kings stand silent in your presence; the nations bow down in worship before you. Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.”

Oh, come O Rod of Jesse's stem,
From ev'ry foe deliver them
Who trust your mighty pow'r to save;
Bring them in vict'ry through the grave.

Isaiah had prophesied, “But a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom.” (11:1), and A On that day, the root of Jesse, set up as a signal for the nations, the Gentiles shall seek out, for his dwelling shall be glorious.” (11:10). Remember also that Jesse was the father of King David, and Micah had prophesied that the Messiah would be of the house and lineage of David and be born in David’s city, Bethlehem (Micah 5:1).

From the branches of my life, Lord,
let your your love and justice bud and bloom,
a bouquet of your presence among us...

Even in the dry times,
let the shoot of your justice sprout forth
in my deeds and desires...

Let the fragrance of your grace be strong
and the aroma of your presence powerful
in all I say and do...

Come with your perennial beauty
in this holy Advent time
and in every season blossom among us
in the beauty of your peace...

Amen.

 
Subscribe to A Concord Pastor Comments 

yearofgrace2011