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O Adonai Come with Outstretched Arms
Yesterday, I introduced the O Antiphons in the Seven O’s of Advent. These antiphons are seven short little hymns or refrains on the titles of God that are said/sung from Dec. 17th through Dec. 23rd to focus on the character of the mighty God that comes to us in the birth of Jesus. The character of God which is the focus of today’s O Antiphon is Adonai, which is often translated as LORD or Lord of Lords. Here are the lyrics:
O Adonai, December 18
O Adonai, and leader of the House of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai: come and redeem us with an outstretched arm.
See: Isaiah 11:4-5, Isaiah 33:22; Exodus 3:2; Exodus 24:12
I love this antiphon. There are lots of little lords in this world: music greats, important political leaders, presidents of women’s groups, shift leaders, homeroom monitors, all have their little spheres of control and power. It reminds us that no matter how powerful people are ( or think they are) God is the giver of Law. He is the Lord of all Lords and every little leader in every fiefdom will bow to HIM.
The other part of this refrains that I think is so meaningful is that he comes with outstretched arms. Can you see Him as a baby with his arms outstretched to Mary and Joseph? Can you see Him stretching His arm to pull Peter up from the raging sea? Can you see Him as a man with his arms outstretched on the cross? Whether as a babe, a rescuer at sea, or on the cross he is the Lord of Lords, who comes to us in the form of a child. And, He will come again at the end of the world with power and might.
Here is the O Adonai, performed by the monks of Saint John’s Abbey Schola.
Blessings, + The Anglican Anchoress