The Advent Tower is meant to be used at family Advent devotions on the
last seven days before Christmas. The seven windows in the tower mask
seven symbols of Christ, each of which is the theme of one of the seven
"O Antiphons."
The "O's" of Advent are the great gems of liturgical song which are
sung each evening at the "Magnificat" at Vespers, from December 17 to
December 23. Addressing Christ with seven magnificent titles, they beg
Him with mounting impatience to come to save His people. The window in
the roof of the tower masks the Christmas scene, and should be opened
on Christmas Eve.
The "Twelve Days of Christmas" book contains a Christmas Novena during
which the windows in the Advent Tower are opened. But the windows may
also be opened very simply with the reading of the appropriate
antiphon, and the praying of the "Magnificat."
THE "O'S" OF ADVENT
Dec. 17--O WISDOM, who came from 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.
Dec. 18--O LORD AND GIVER of the House of Israel, who appeared to Moses
in the flame of the burning bush, and gave him the law on Sinai--
COME! and redeem us with outstretched arm.
Dec. 19--O ROOT OF JESSE, who stands for an ensign of the people,
before whom kings shall keep silence, and unto whom the Gentiles shall
make supplication--
COME! to deliver us, and tarry not.
Dec. 20--O KEY OF DAVID, and Sceptre of the House of Israel, who opens
and no man shuts, who shuts, and no man opens--
COME! and bring forth the captive from his prison, he who sits in
darkness and in the shadow of death.
Dec. 21--O DAWN OF THE EAST, brightness of the light eternal, and Sun
of Justice-
COME! and enlighten them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of
death.
Dec. 22--O KING OF THE GENTILES and their desired One, the Cornerstone
that makes both one--
COME! and deliver man, whom You formed out of the dust of the earth.
Dec. 23--O EMMANUEL, our King and Lawgiver, the expected of the nations
and their Savior--
