The Hymns and Carols of Christmas

Great Antiphons From Sarum Hymnal

For Advent

Words: Attributed to Earl Nelson

Source: The Sarum Hymnal (Salisbury: Brown and Co., and W. P. Aylward, 1868), p. 19, No. 36.

See: Notes on Veni, Veni, Emmanuel

Note from Editor: "These Anthems may be sung separately, or as one Hymn."

Dec. 16. – O Sapientia

O Wisdom! spreading mightily
From out the Mouth of God most High,
All nature sweetly ordering,
Within Thy paths Thy children bring.

Draw near, O Christ, with us to dwell,
In mercy save Thine Israel.

Dec. 17. – O Adonai

Ruler of Israel, Lord of Might,
Who gavest the Law from Sinai's height;
Once in the fiery Bush revealed,
With out-stretched Army Thy chosen shield.

Draw near, O Christ, with us to dwell,
In mercy save Thine Israel.

Dec. 18. – O Radix Jesse.

O Root of Jesse! Ensign Thou!
To Whom all gentile kings shall bow,
From depths of hell Thy people save, 
And give them victory o'er the grave.

Draw near, O Christ, with us to dwell,
In mercy save Thine Israel.

Dec. 19. – O Clavis David.

O Israel's sceptre! David's Key! –
Come, Thou, and set death's captive's free;
Unlock the gate that bars their road,
And lead them to the Throne of God.

Draw near, O Christ, with us to dwell,
In mercy save Thine Israel.

Dec. 20. – O Oriens.

O Day Spring and Eternal Light!
Pierce through the gloom of error's night;
Predestined Sun of Righteousness!
Haste with Thy rising beams to bless.

Draw near, O Christ, with us to dwell,
In mercy save Thine Israel.

Dec. 22. – O Rex Gentium.

O King! Desire of Nations! come
Lead sons of earth to Heaven's high home;
Thou chief and precious Corner-stone,
Binding the severed into one.

Draw near, O Christ, with us to dwell,
In mercy save Thine Israel.

Dec. 23. – O Emmanuel.

O Law-giver! Emmanuel! King!
Thy praises we would ever sing;
The Gentiles' Hope, the Saviour blest
Take us to Thine eternal rest.

Draw near, O Christ, with us to dwell,
In mercy save Thine Israel.

Amen.

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