O King of the Gentiles
December 22
(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 22, "O Rex Gentium"/"O King of the Gentiles," is drawn from Isaiah 2:4 and 9:7.
Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD:
See, I am laying a stone in Zion,
a stone that has been tested,
A precious cornerstone as a sure foundation;
whoever puts faith in it will not waver.
The stone the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone.
O King of the Gentiles and the Desired of them, Thou Cornerstone that dost make both one, come and deliver man, whom Thou didst form out of the dust of the earth.
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