Here is a rich resource for the season.
Advent is, for many Christians, “the most wonderful time of the year.” Most of the joy and excitement of this season peaks on Christmas day and the giving and receiving of presents. But Advent is a joyous season, and more of its joy can be realized by making the most of each day to reflect on the grace of God in Jesus Christ.
Salvatore A. Luiso can help us do so by encouraging us to make use of the “O Antiphons” to reflect on all the radiance and wonder of Jesus and the incarnation.
Antiphons, Luiso explains, are short, sung rituals or prayers that focus on some aspect of Jesus and His work. They have Biblical as well as ancient roots and thus can be an important resource for enriching our spiritual lives.
Luiso includes the Biblical basis for each of the “O Antiphons”, explains the mystical and poetic features of each, and provides links to other resources helpful in understanding these spiritual tools. He also provides a translation of each of the "O Antiphons" and offers suggestions for how to use them throughout the Advent season. The “Questions for consideration” at the end will help in taking away any reluctance to make this a new and valuable Advent discipline.
You can read Luiso’s article, complete with suggestions for using the “O Antiphons” by clicking here.
You can also read an earlier prayer for the church, first used by Girolamo Savonarola (1452-1498) and noted by Charles H. Spurgeon, which Salvatore A. Luiso commends, by clicking here.