O Emmanuel, Rex et legifer noster, exspectatio gentium, et Salvator earum: veni ad salvandum nos Domine Deus noster. "O Emmanuel, our King and Law-giver, desired of the nations and their salvation, come and save us, Lord our God." The sharp-eyed will notice that "expectatio gentium", although again translated as "Desired of the nations", really has more the sense of "hope" or even more literally, "expectation". This antiphon takes up and develops all the themes of the previous six. Christ is welcomed as God-with-us, King of David's line, the true Law-giver, one who is the fulfilment of every human hope and longing, whose gift of salvation is open to all. The petition with which the antiphon ends is absolutely clear about the divine nature and mission of the Messiah: "come and save us, Lord our God." There in a nutshell is what Christmas is about. In his compassion and love, God wills to take our human flesh and blood and redeem us through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord. Our salvation is very near. It began with Mary's generous-hearted consent to be the Mother of God. It will take physical shape with the birth of Jesus on Christmas night. Truly, this is "a mystery hidden from long ages, a secret into which even angels long to look!" (To hear today's antiphon, click on the image in the sidebar, go to the Prayer Box on our Vocation page or the notes on the O Antiphons on our Liturgy page. The Podcast for this week will be posted on Christmas Eve.)