O Adonai

(From December 17 until Christmas Eve, the Church begins to enhance Evening Prayer with what have become known as the "O Antiphons." These antiphons are used to introduce the "Magnificat," Mary's Song of Praise.  Each of them introduces a title that applies to Jesus, the Christ, our Messiah.)

The O Antiphon for December 18 is drawn from Isaiah 11:4-5 and 33:22.

But he shall judge the poor with justice,
and decide fairly for the land’s afflicted.
He shall strike the ruthless with the rod of his mouth,
and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked.
Justice shall be the band around his waist,
and faithfulness a belt upon his hips.
For the LORD is our judge,
the LORD is our lawgiver,
the LORD is our king;
he it is who will save us

O Adonai, and Leader of the house of Israel, Who didst appear to Moses in the flame of the burning bush, and didst give unto him the Law on Sinai: come and with an outstretched arm redeem us.