Sunday, December 19, 2010

O Clavis David

The greater antiphons at the Magnificat are begun on December 17, and are said , each on its day, until the day before the vigil of Christmas. If a feast is celebrated, they are said after the collect of the feast, for a commemoration of Advent. These antiphons are best known in the form of the hymn Veni Immanuel. Lutheran Worship, hymn 31, includes all seven of these versified antiphons. These antiphons are listed below in Latin, in English translation, and in verse. The hymn includes the refrain Gaude, gaude, Immanuel Nascetur pro te Israel, Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to thee O Israel.

December 20 - O Clavis David

O clavis David, et sceptrum domus Israel; qui aperis, et nemo claudit; claudis, et nemo aperit: veni, et educ vinctum de domo carceris, sedentem in tenebris, et umbra mortis.

O Key of David and scepter of the house of Israel, Who opens and no one closes, Who closes and no one opens: Come, and deliver him from the chains of prison who sits in darkness and in the shadow of death.

O come, Thou Key of David, come, And open wide our heavenly home, Make safe the way that leads on high, And close the path to misery. Refrain.

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