Day 9: Tomorrow, I Will Come..

In the Celtic Advent tradition ancient prayers are used starting today through Christmas. There are seven “antiphons” - ancient chants or recitations. The exact origin of these are not known. They were used by the eighth century in the liturgical celebrations in Rome. These prayers are OLD.

According to Professor Robert Greenberg of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, the Benedictine monks arranged these antiphons with a definite purpose. If one starts with the last title and takes the first letter of each one, the Latin words ERO CRAS are formed.

ERO CRAS means - Tomorrow, I will come. This represents Jesus speaking to us, reminding us, granting us the joy of anticipation - Tomorrow, I will come.

Each one highlights a title for the Messiah and refers to the prophecy of Isaiah of the coming of the Messiah. Here is the first one:

O Wisdom, You come forth from the mouth of the Most High.

You fill the universe and hold all things together in a strong yet gentle manner.

O come to teach us the way of truth.

O come, O come, Thou Wisdom from above; the universe sustaining with Thy love.

Thou springest forth from the Almighty’s mouth, subdue us now, and lead us in Thy truth.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.