O Key of David, Come! Advent Daybook 23
This week we are adoring Jesus by praying the prophetic names of the O Antiphons. Read this post for an overview.
O CLAVIS DAVID (KEY OF DAVID)
Pray: O Key of David, O royal Power of Israel, controlling at your will the gate of heaven: Come, break down the prison walls of death for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death; and lead your captive people into freedom.
"O Key of David and sceptre of the House of Israel, who opens and no-one can shut, who shuts and non-one can open”
Look: The Light of the World, William Holman Hunt - Source
Listen: Advent Antiphons: No. 4. O Clavis David, Queens' College Choir, Cambridge - Spotify | YouTube
Latin:
O Clavis David, et sceptrum domus Israel;
qui aperis, et nemo claudit;
claudis, et nemo aperit:
veni, et educ vinctum de domo carceris,
sedentem in tenebris, et umbra mortis.
English:
O Key of David and sceptre of the House of Israel;
you open and no one can shut;
you shut and no one can open:
Come and lead the prisoners from the prison house,
those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.
Read:
A Reading from Isaiah 22:22-23
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. And I will fasten him like a peg in a sure place, and he will become a throne of honor to his father’s house.
A Reading from Numbers 24:17
I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not nigh: a star shall come forth out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel.
A Reading from Isaiah 9:2-7
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.
Thou hast multiplied the nation, thou hast increased its joy; they rejoice before thee as with joy at the harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.
For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, thou hast broken as on the day of Mid’ian. For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David, and over his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and for evermore.
Read Malcolm Guite's sonnet and then sing the fourth verse of O Come, O Come, Emmanuel as today's prayer.
Even in the darkness where I sit
And huddle in the midst of misery
I can remember freedom, but forget
That every lock must answer to a key,
That each dark clasp, sharp and intricate,
Must find a counter-clasp to meet its guard,
Particular, exact and intimate,
The clutch and catch that meshes with its ward.
I cry out for the key I threw away
That turned and over turned with certain touch
And with the lovely lifting of a latch
Opened my darkness to the light of day.
O come again, come quickly, set me free
Cut to the quick to fit, the master key.
Sing:
O come, Thou Key of David, come
And open wide our heav'nly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
Do: Make space for forgiveness, mercy, and justice. What door between you and another person or group of people seems locked shut with no key?
Choose one person (or group of people) to forgive, and to release from your expectation of apology. If appropriate, write them a note, passing the peace of Christ through a simple few words.
In prayer, entrust your need for justice, reconciliation, and restitution to the governance of the Prince of Peace. Keep in mind, as you pray, that justice and reconciliation are valid desires and legitimate human needs. Tell God what you need God to provide to fill the gaps of other people's abuse, neglect, betrayal, or rejection. Ask God to provide you abundant healing and love in your relationships.
