Join the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids for Advent O Antiphons Evening Prayer
December 17-23 • 6:00-6:45 pm • Marywood Chapel of the Word • In-Person or Online
In the quiet of Evening Prayer in Marywood Chapel of the Word, candles are lit, songs and psalms are sung, we hear the preached word that inspires, and peace prevails in our hearts. In contrast to the hustle and bustle of secular Christmas preparation, the O Antiphons quiet the heart so that we can all remember the promise of God to send a Savior. Each year, the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids host this beautiful seven-night experience.
From Darkness into Light
The O Antiphons are the Evening Prayers of the Liturgy of the Hours for the days leading up to the celebration of the Incarnation at Christmas. This is the darkest time of the year in the northern hemisphere, so we begin our O Antiphons prayers in darkness. A single candle leads our opening procession representing the coming of the Light of Christ into the world. As those gathered light their candles, we are reminded that the Light of Christ is spread through our living according to Christ’s way in our daily activities.
As early as the 6th century the Christian community has been praying the O Antiphons. The Dominican Community has celebrated O Antiphons for over 30 years.
On the seven nights before Christmas Eve, we welcome you.
Each antiphon begins with the call “O” so that we can hear our longing for God’s presence and care for us, personally, and for our world. O God, O Promised Savior, O Loving Power: our prayer names our deepest desire and holy longing. Come, O long-awaited Messiah. This is truly the Advent prayer and the best preparation for Christmas, the birthday of the Christ Child and the Savior of the World. Our guest speakers will offer heartfelt reflections guiding us into deeper contemplation of the O Antiphon title each night.
There is no cost to join us, but registration is required to participate online.
