Tuesday, December 21, 2010

O Rex Gentium

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 22 - O Rex Gentium

O Rex gentium, et desideratus earum, lapisque angularis, qui facis utraque unum: veni, et salve hominem, quem de limo formasti.

O King of Gentiles, and their Desire, the cornerstone that binds two into one: Come and save mankind whom You have fashioned out of clay.

O come Desire of Nations, bind In one the hearts of all mankind, And bid their sad divisions cease, And be Thyself the King of Peace. Refrain.

No comments: