O Wisdom, O holy Word of God’s mouth, you govern all creation with your strong yet tender care. Come, and teach us all the ways that lead to life.
Great Antiphon of Advent
The first of the Antiphons is a reminder of the Wisdom being spoken of is the Word of God and that the Word of God, as St. John tells us in his Gospel is Jesus. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” It is a reminder that at the start of creation Jesus, the Word of God was present with the Creator of all things and that Jesus is the ruler of all of creation.
John uses the term “was” when speaking of the Word of God. This indicates that the Word, the Logos of God exists without a starting point and emphasizes that the Word has an eternal existence without Beginning.
Isaiah’s prophecy says “The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.” Isaiah 11:2-3
At Christ’s Baptism in the Jordan by John, the Holy Spirit shall rest upon him. The Messiah will judge people by what is in their hearts and his teachings shall strike the earth and make all things new.
O Come Lord Jesus and teach us all the ways that lead to life.
