Join the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids for Advent O Antiphons Evening Prayer from December 17-23
In the quiet of Evening Prayer in our Chapel of the Word at Marywood, 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.
Attend In-Person
Marywood Chapel of the Word
111 Lakeside Drive NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- Please arrive early to check in and be seated.
- Doors open at 5:30pm and close at 6:15pm after service has begun.
- Prayers begin promptly at 6:00pm.
- There is plenty of parking in front, overflow parking will be in the lot north of Marywood.
*In case of inclement weather and you were planning to attend in person, please check the O Antiphons webpage as we may move everything to online.
Attend Virtually
Register here to participate online via Zoom for any of the seven nights.
- After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with one Zoom link that can be used to participate in any of the seven nights. (Please check your spam/junk folder if you do not see it immediately.)
- Don’t forget to download the worship aid if you’d like to follow along at home! The same worship aid is used each evening.
*Reminder: During the Zoom webinar, we won’t be able to see or hear you, but you will be able to see and hear everything, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the experience!
2025 O Antiphon Speakers
Click here to learn more about our guest speakers.
December 17 – O Wisdom
Speaker: Lisa Knight
Executive Director, Girls Choral Academy
December 18 – O Adonai
Speaker: Pancho Orozco
Lector Coordinator and Youth Ministry Volunteer, St. Francis Xavier Parish
December 19 – O Root of Jesse
Speaker: Sheena Walls
Free Store Coordinator, In the Image
December 20 – O Key of David
Speaker: Shawn England
Seminarian, Calvin Theological Seminary & Fisher for Celebration Fellowship Church
December 21 – O Radiant Dawn
Speaker: Hannah Bechtold
Director of International Programs,
Aquinas College
December 22 – O Ruler of Nations
Speaker: Coach John Robinson
Founder & Chief Possibility Officer,
Leader Support Circle
December 23 – O Emmanuel
Speaker: Kent Dobson
Associate Pastor, Mayflower Congregational Church
