Breakpoint Podcast Summary

Episode: The O Antiphons of Advent
Date: November 28, 2025
Host: John Stonestreet (Colson Center)
Guest: Dr. Glenn Sunshine

Episode Overview

This episode explores the true purpose and deep traditions of Advent, moving beyond contemporary holiday chaos (like Black Friday) to reflect on its historical and spiritual significance. John Stonestreet welcomes Dr. Glenn Sunshine, who shares rich insights on the ancient "O Antiphons"—historic prayers sung during Advent that call on Christ by prophetic names from scripture, and their enduring connection to the beloved hymn "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel."

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Nature and Purpose of Advent

• Advent as More Than “Extended Christmas”

  • Advent marks a season of anticipation—not just celebrating Jesus’ birth, but reflecting on the centuries of longing for the Messiah and looking forward to His promised return.
  • John Stonestreet:

    "Much of America celebrates today as Black Friday, Christians anticipate this time of year for a very different reason. This Sunday begins Advent, a season set aside in the Christian calendar to reflect on the coming of Jesus into the world… and also that he will return again a second time." (00:11)

• Personal and Historical Connection

  • Dr. Glenn Sunshine describes how Advent invites a connection with both personal family memories and the ancient longing of God’s people.
  • Dr. Glenn Sunshine:

    "Pondering those long centuries of waiting gives me a feeling of connection with the past and makes me want to join in with the history and practices of those who, like me, were looking ahead in hope for Jesus' return." (00:59)

2. The O Antiphons: Origin, Structure, and Significance

• Definition & Historical Roots

  • The O Antiphons are ancient responses sung before the Magnificat (Mary’s Song) during evening prayer (Vespers) from December 17–23.
  • They date to at least the 8th century, possibly as early as the 6th.
  • Each begins with “O” and a Messianic title from Isaiah.

• Liturgical and Poetic Aspects

  • The seven Antiphons form an acrostic: initial letters in Latin, written backward, spell “ero cras” meaning “Tomorrow I will be there”—a subtle signal of Christ’s imminent arrival.
    • Dr. Glenn Sunshine:

      "If you take the first letter of each of the names of the Messiah in the antiphons in order and then read it backwards, it forms the Latin words 'ero cras,' which means tomorrow I will be there." (02:12)

• Connection to “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”

  • This famous hymn is a paraphrase of the Antiphons.
  • Written in Latin, first published in 1710, with all seven verses included by 1878.
  • English translation by John Mason Neale (1844); melody attributed, though possibly composed, by Thomas Helmore.
  • The hymn’s words and tune evoke the longing and hope of Advent.
    • Dr. Glenn Sunshine:

      "O Come, O Come Emmanuel has a tremendous amount of meaning to me personally… it helped me get through the death of my beloved father in law just before Christmas nearly 30 years ago." (03:18)

3. The Antiphons in Personal Worship and Spiritual Practice

• Personal Encouragement and Comfort

  • For Dr. Sunshine, reflecting on the Antiphons and hymn brought solace in grief, reminding him that the message of Christmas is about Christ conquering death.
    • Dr. Glenn Sunshine:

      "What the hymn told me was that Eddie's death was precisely the reason for Christmas, that Christ came to deal with the problem of death once and for all and… to open wide our heavenly home." (03:52)

• How to Engage with the O Antiphons

  • Suggestions:

    • Read each antiphon and the related Scripture.
    • Meditate and pray on the text.
    • End your devotional time by singing the hymn’s verse.
    • Dr. Glenn Sunshine:

      "Spending time with these scriptural texts is a powerful way to prepare you for Christmas and will give you a greater appreciation of just who it is that was born on that night in Bethlehem." (04:38)

  • Connection across time: Engaging with the Antiphons unites believers with Christians throughout history who have prayed, sung, and longed together.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Advent's Focus on Waiting:

  "The theme of Advent is waiting for God to fulfill his promise to save his people. We think back to the centuries the people of Israel waited for the coming of the Messiah, and we look ahead to Jesus' return…"
  — Dr. Glenn Sunshine, (00:54)

• Liturgical Mystery in Song:

  "The melody we use for the hymn first appeared in the hymnal noted in 1851... Thomas Helmore, the compiler... claimed the melody came from a French missal... but... no one has been able to find it since. This has led many to suspect that Helmore composed it himself in the style of a chant."
  — Dr. Glenn Sunshine, (03:10)

Key Timestamps

• 00:01–00:27: John Stonestreet introduces Advent and sets the cultural context.
• 00:47–01:18: Dr. Glenn Sunshine on Advent’s personal and historical significance.
• 01:18–02:00: Explanation of O Antiphons—their structure, origin, and meaning.
• 02:12–02:28: The acrostic "ero cras" and its significance.
• 02:49–03:10: History and evolution of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel."
• 03:18–03:52: Personal testimony about the hymn's power amid grief.
• 04:38–04:56: Practical advice for engaging with the O Antiphons in daily worship.

Conclusion

This episode invites listeners to rediscover Advent's ancient depth through the O Antiphons—linking past and present, sorrow and hope, longing and fulfillment. Dr. Glenn Sunshine provides a heartfelt, practical guide for engaging with these traditions, making this a rich resource for those seeking to deepen their spiritual preparation for Christmas.