O Antiphon days-Golden nights

The intensive preparation of advent phase begin from today 17th December till 23rd. This is the very beautiful tradition since 8th Century, called Golden nights. Last seven days of advent, getting very closer to the joyful coming of our Lord. Seven jewels of prayers and songs added in the evening, why it is O antiphons? Because each day starts with ''O'' ... Everyday from today we say different titles of saviour.

 Dec 17th is Wisdom/Sapientia 

 18th Lord and ruler

 19th Root of jesse. 

 20th Key of David 

 21st Day spring/Orient

22nd King of Gentiles / Nations

 23rd Jesus the Emmanuel.

 There is an old monastic way of treating these days till Christmas. In the past, we tried to incoorporate making some special foods these days, gifts, encourage singing together O come ..Emmanuel songs in the eve.., saying magnificat., Or even a little house can be brought or made and every eve with songs children can open each door. So Antiphons not only bring intensity of advent but bring it to a joyful celebration. 

Some of our days during antiphon week. Allocated different days with titles to each one of the family. Initiated with mind- Wisdom. Geo took Jesus the king title. Days or eve with some readings, gifts, a treat, food connected to theme..even Mich did a game of Jesus the Lord. Geo hid a few pictures of kings/ queens and everyone together did a hunt of pictures.

 FOM ARCHIVES. Some of the ideas and printables from catholic icing here.