O Wisdom

(On December 17, the Church enhances 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 17, "O Sapientia"/"O Wisdom," is drawn from Isaiah 11:2-3 and 28:29.

The spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him:
a spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
A spirit of counsel and of strength,
a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the LORD,
and his delight shall be the fear of the LORD.
Not by appearance shall he judge,
nor by hearsay shall he decide...
This too comes from the LORD of hosts;
wonderful is his counsel and great his wisdom.

 O Wisdom, Who didst come out of the mouth of the Most High, reaching from end to end and ordering all things mightily and sweetly: come and teach us the way of prudence.