O Rex Gentium: O King of the Nations

2 days before Christmas Eve the 6th of the 'O Antiphons' sung at Vespers or Evening Prayer uses the title 'King of the Nations' for the coming Messiah, the anointed one.

 In the book of Isaiah is this prophecy:
"For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." 
Isaiah 9: 6
An English version of this antiphon is: 
O king of the nations, and their desire,
the cornerstone making both one:
Come and save the human race, 
which you fashioned from clay.

 Here is the 'O Rex Gentium' antiphon with the Magnificat (Mary's Song) sung in Latin to a Gregorian chant, but with English subtitles.





Comments

  1. Kathy22 December 2012 at 09:20

    Thank you so much for this series of post, Nancy. The O Antiphons are wonderful and I love Gregorian chant, so this has been a real treat for me. Happy Christmas.

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    Replies
    1. Nancy Wallace22 December 2012 at 18:25

      I'm pleased you've appreciated this series. Doing it has helped me focus on Advent while at the same time going frantic with Christmas preparations. Have a peaceful, joyful and happy Christmas!

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