O Emmanuel
O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law: come to save us, Lord our God! Emmanuel, "God with us", come and do not delay!
O King of the Nations
O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: come and save man, whom you formed from the dust! The prophecies of the Messiah proclaim that he will be a King for all people, not only the Israelites.
O Radiant Dawn
O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death. When John the Baptist was born his father, Zechariah, spoke this Canticle: "In the tender compassion of our Lord The dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness And the shadow of death, And to guide our feet into the way of peace." (Luke 1:78-79)
O Key of David
O Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness! David is the King of Jerusalem with the keys to the kingdom of Israel. Christ is the King of Creation with keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. "And I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David. He shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open." Isaiah 22:22
O Root of Jesse
O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: come to save us without delay! Jesse was a landowner in the town of Bethlehem and the father of King David. It is through his lineage that Joseph brought his wife, Mary, to the little town where Christ was born.
O Adonai
O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come to rescue us with your mighty power! In ancient times it was unthinkable for faithful to use the name of God, so they would refer to him with the title "Adonai". The word "Adonai" simply means "Lord". The title is also used in the Old Testament for King Saul and King David. Jesus is the true Lord and King, the "Adonai" of heaven and earth.