Seven names, one longing
The O Antiphons accompany the Magnificat at Evening Prayer from December 17 through 23 in the Roman liturgy. Their biblical images also echo in the Gospel acclamations of these final Advent days. The summaries below are original explanations, not official liturgical translations.
Each title has connections with Isaiah, but these prayers draw on many books of Scripture. The references below distinguish Isaiah parallels from imagery found elsewhere. For the full texts and longer commentary, read our existing O Antiphons article.
ERO CRAS and O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Read the initials of the Latin titles backward, beginning with Emmanuel: E, R, O, C, R, A, S. They form ERO CRAS, traditionally understood as “Tomorrow I will be there,” or “Tomorrow I will come.” It is a traditional acrostic interpretation, not a line of the antiphons themselves.
The hymn O Come, O Come, Emmanuel reshapes the antiphons into verses. Singing a verse after a short reading is a simple way to bring their longing into family prayer.
December 17–23, 2026
O Sapientia — O Wisdom
Christ is the wisdom that holds creation together. We ask him to teach us how to live wisely and gently.
Isaiah connection: Isaiah 11:2–3. The wisdom imagery also draws on Sirach 24:3 and Wisdom 8:1.
O Adonai — O Lord
The Lord who called Moses and freed Israel comes to rescue us. We ask for freedom from everything that keeps us from God.
Isaiah connection: Isaiah 33:22. The burning bush and the law at Sinai come from Exodus 3:1–6 and 19–20.
O Radix Jesse — O Root of Jesse
From David’s family comes a king for every people. We ask him to gather the scattered and come without delay.
Isaiah connection: Isaiah 11:1, 10. Jesse is David’s father; the new shoot points toward the promised Messiah.
O Clavis David — O Key of David
Christ opens the way no one else can open. We ask him to lead those trapped in darkness into freedom.
Isaiah connection: Isaiah 22:22; 42:7. Revelation 3:7 also uses the image of the key of David.
O Oriens — O Rising Dawn
Christ’s light reaches those who sit in shadow. We ask him to brighten our fear and guide our steps.
Isaiah connection: Isaiah 9:1. Related light imagery appears in Malachi 3:20 (4:2 in some editions) and Luke 1:78–79.
O Rex Gentium — O King of the Nations
The king all peoples need makes divided humanity one. We ask the maker of humankind to heal and save us.
Isaiah connection: Isaiah 28:16; 2:4. The cornerstone and peace imagery join Haggai 2:7 and the creation of humanity in Genesis 2:7.
O Emmanuel — O God with Us
God does not remain far away. We ask Jesus, the promised Emmanuel, to come and save the people who long for him.
Isaiah connection: Isaiah 7:14; 8:8. Matthew 1:22–23 connects the Emmanuel promise with Jesus’ birth.
Frequently asked questions
When are the O Antiphons prayed?
In the Roman liturgy they accompany the Magnificat at Evening Prayer from December 17 through December 23.
What does ERO CRAS mean?
The titles’ initials in reverse order form ERO CRAS, traditionally understood as “Tomorrow I will be there,” or “Tomorrow I will come.”
Are all the images taken directly from Isaiah?
No. Isaiah supplies important promises and parallels, but the antiphons also draw on Exodus, the wisdom books and other Scripture.