O Radix Jesse!

December 19 O Radix Jesse!

O Root of Jesse, standing as an ensign before the peoples,
before whom all kings are mute,
to whom the nations will do homage:
Come quickly to deliver us.
(LSB 357)

Listen to Chaplain Daenzer sing it here.

The Root of Jesse? Is our Lord not the flower of Jesse’s stem (Isaiah 11:1)? He is both root and flower, the Alpha and the Omega. As the Root of Jesse, He stands as an ensign, a signal and banner, a rallying point for the nations. We, the Gentiles, come before Him and bow in silence as our King reigns in triumph upon His cross, the victor over sin and death. Jesse ties specifically to the promises of the kingship, and we see His kingly power displayed chiefly in showing mercy and pity.

Today the head gardener in the monastery might be privileged to give a special gift to the brothers and to sing the Great “O” Antiphon.

O come, Thou Branch of Jesse’s tree,
Free them from Satan’s tyranny
That trust Thy mighty pow’r to save,
And give them vict’ry o’er the grave.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!
(LSB 357:4)