O Radix Jesse ~ O Root of Jesse Dec 19th

O Radix Jesse.... O Root of Jesse

You stand for an ensign of mankind; before You kings shall keep silence, and to You all nations shall have recourse. Come, save us, and do not delay.

    Christ is of the root of Jesse, both as a descendant of David and as occupant of the royal throne. The wording of the prophetic text, however, does not pass over our Savior's external lowliness and poverty.
   The bulk of the antiphon is doted to a description of the kingdom. The small twig becomes the unifying principle about which the nations will gather like soldiers and citizens about their flag. With yearning the peoples will assemble around Him, will turn and acknowledge Him as Ruler. The Messiah's glory will be so great that even kings will stand dumbstruck in wonder and awe.

Abbot Gueranger OSB The Liturgical Year Advent pgs 180-181