Advent Novena – 9 Days of Prayer
The beloved Advent novena prayed December 17–25, using the ancient O Antiphon titles of Christ
The Advent Novena is the nine-day preparation before Christmas, using the ancient O Antiphon titles of Christ from December 17 to 25. Each evening addresses Christ with a title such as Wisdom or Emmanuel and asks him to come. It is a gentle way to sharpen the sense of waiting. The O Antiphons are among the oldest prayers of the season. They call Christ Wisdom, Lord, Root of Jesse, Key of David, Dawn, King and Emmanuel, building toward Christmas Eve. Read the day's title aloud, light a candle and let the waiting do its quiet work in you.
A novena is nine consecutive days of prayer. Begin nine days before the feast (December 17) and finish on its eve. You can pray this novena at any time of year.
Pray this novena with daily reminders in the Sacred Novenas app
Open in the app App StoreGoogle PlayAdvent Novena – day by day
Day 1 – O Sapientia — O Wisdom (December 17)
O Wisdom, O holy Word of God, You govern all creation with Your strong yet tender care. Come and show Your people the way to salvation.
Lord Jesus, O Wisdom of the Most High, You order the universe with Your tender and mighty hand. As I begin these nine days of waiting, teach me Your ways. Give me the wisdom to know what truly matters in my life and the courage to live by it.
Send Your Holy Spirit to illuminate my mind and warm my heart. Help me to prepare not just a celebration but a dwelling place — that when You come at Christmas, I may receive You with a truly open heart.
(Pause here to mention your intentions)
Come, Lord Jesus. Let Your Advent find me watching, waiting, and ready.
Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory Be...
Come, O Come Emmanuel.
Day 2 – O Adonai — O Lord (December 18)
O Adonai, and leader of the House of Israel, You appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush and gave him the holy Law. Come and redeem us with an outstretched arm.
Lord Jesus, You are the great I AM — the Lord who spoke to Moses from the burning bush, who led Your people through the desert. You gave Your Law not to burden us but to free us from everything lesser than Yourself.
As I wait for Your coming, I confess how often I have worshipped lesser things. Come, Lord Jesus, and be Lord of my life in every detail. Redeem what I have surrendered to lesser gods.
(Pause here to mention your intentions)
Stretch out Your arm and save me, O Lord. I wait for You.
Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory Be...
Come, O Come Emmanuel.
Day 3 – O Radix Jesse — O Root of Jesse (December 19)
O Root of Jesse, You stand as a signal for the nations; kings stand silent in Your presence; the peoples of the earth bow down in worship before You. Come and deliver us, and delay no longer.
Lord Jesus, Root of Jesse, Son of David — You fulfil all the promises of the Old Testament. Help me to live by faith too. When I cannot see Your hand at work, help me to trust Your heart. When the waiting grows long, remind me that You always keep Your promises.
(Pause here to mention your intentions)
Hasten the day of Your coming, O Root of Jesse. Come, Lord Jesus.
Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory Be...
Come, O Come Emmanuel.
Ancient Roman Liturgy — The O Antiphons · Prayed December 17–25. The O Antiphons are among the oldest surviving liturgical texts of the Western Church.
More novenas
- Divine Mercy Novena
- Sacred Heart of Jesus Novena
- Immaculate Conception Novena
- Holy Spirit Novena
- Our Lady of Guadalupe Novena
- Assumption of Mary Novena
Frequently asked questions
When should I start the Advent Novena?
Pray it from December 17 to 25, because each day is tied to its traditional O Antiphon date. This is the one novena that follows fixed antiphon dates rather than starting nine days before a feast.
How do I pray the Advent Novena?
Pray the daily prayer once a day, ideally at the evening meal.
Who is the Advent Novena for?
It is for families, parishes and anyone preparing for Christmas.
Pray this novena with daily reminders in the Sacred Novenas app
Open in the app App StoreGoogle Play