Feast

In early church tradition, a feast is often preceded by a fast. The 40 day “fast” of Lent is our most obvious example.

With this in mind, the early church developed a tradition of praying seven great prayers known as the O Antiphons. Each prayer called on Christ to come, but only addressed Him according to titles found in the Old Testament.

They refrained from using the term Christ or Lord, as a kind of fast. By doing so they momentarily placed themselves BC. In that place of darkness and waiting. They reimagined what they most needed, BC. A gift of wisdom, a saviour, a light, a root, a flame. Looking though the OT, all these things were promised in the coming Christ, and used as titles to describe His gift. O Wisdom, O Root, O Light , each, for example, found in Isaiah, reminded them of the “need”, of their lives, and what they eventually found in Christ Jesus. On Christmas day, the fast was broken. Christ Jesus, whose name they whispered, sang or proclaimed on Christmas day, as if for the first time. Then they would pray, O Emmanuel. Emanuel, come Lord Jesus. Fill this heart, with wisdom, light, root and flame.

What a feast that would be.

Prayer

Be still. Cast your mind back to an earlier life. Before Christ. Remember who we were and what we needed. Mostly we needed a saviour. But also, wisdom, security, understanding.

Offer thanks, for the life and gift of these things, that His presence brings.

Make today a day of fast! Pray, but refrain from using the name of Jesus. Jesus, Lord, Saviour, God, all become silent in our thoughts. Allow your deepest need, to shape your address to God.