O Wisdom

The first O Antiphon:

O Wisdom, proceeding from the mouth of the Most High, pervading and permeating all creation, mightily ordering all things: Come and teach us the way of prudence. Amen.

A dominant theme of the Old Testament is that of “Wisdom” (especially in Proverbs). Wisdom proceeds from God, creates and establishes order, and leads His faithful people in righteousness and holiness. From its beginning, the Church identified Jesus, the Word of God, with the Wisdom of the Old Testament. In this antiphon, we call upon the Son to teach us and lead us in the way of justice and righteousness.

And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. And His delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. [Isaiah 11:2-3a]

This also comes from the LORD of hosts; He is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom. [Isaiah 28:29]

O come, Thou Wisdom from on high

Who ord’rest all things mightily;

To us the path of knowledge show,

And teach us in her ways to go.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel!

[LSB 357, stanza 2]