Christmas didn’t begin in Bethlehem. Long before the manger, long before Mary and Joseph, long before the angels and shepherds, God was already at work keeping a promise.

For Day Three of the O Antiphons, the Church prays O Radix Jesse – O Root of Jesse, drawing us deep into the prophetic heart of Advent. This ancient prayer, rooted in the book of Isaiah, reminds us that Jesus Christ comes from a long line of faith, waiting, silence, and trust in God’s covenant.

In this video, we reflect on:

The biblical meaning of the Root of Jesse

Isaiah’s prophecy and its fulfillment in Jesus Christ

Why God’s promises often grow quietly before they are revealed

How Advent teaches us to trust God’s timing

The O Antiphon prayer and how to pray it during Advent

The O Antiphons are prayed from December 17 through December 23 during Evening Prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours. Each antiphon names Christ using a prophetic title and leads the Church step by step toward Christmas.

If you are new to this series, be sure to watch the earlier videos where we unpack the history of the O Antiphons and how Catholics have prayed them for centuries.

I hope this reflection inspires you to go deeper in your prayer life this Advent and to trust that God is always working, even when His promises feel hidden.

👉 Be sure to check out the playlist where we unpack the Scriptures. This is where I walk through the Sunday Mass readings and where you’ll find all the videos in this O Antiphon series.