From the description of the work:
“Ero cras” is Latin for “tomorrow, I will come.” This fundamental message of Advent sends the Church into a profound season of waiting for the coming of Christ in His holy incarnation. During Advent, the faithful enter into this mystery of anticipation and preparation of their hearts to receive Him. In the Divine Office, one manifestation of this preparation is particularly seen in the antiphons which frame the Magnificat at Vespers, in the final seven days of Advent. These “Great O Antiphons” are featured in this entirely hand-drawn coloring book created by Elizabeth Lemme, the artist at Pelican Printery House.
Each antiphon is featured in its English translation with scriptural references which can be read, studied, and prayed over.
Each original Latin antiphon is featured with an image inspired by traditional iconography, and illustrated using Sumi ink and drawing nibs. Each image is surrounded with a hand-drawn border of poinsettias, pinecones, greenery, and a ring of Gregorian chant from the actual notated antiphon.
These antiphons are packed with symbolic meaning and beautiful scripture references, all of which are manifested in the images provided in the coloring book:
1. "O Sapientia" (O Wisdom), December 17th, icon of Holy Wisdom
2. "O Adonai," December 18th, is the icon of Moses and the Burning Bush
3. "O Radix Jesse," (Root of Jesse), December 19th, an icon of the Tree of Jesse
4. "O Clavis David," (Key of David), December 20th, an icon of the Harrowing of Hell
5. "O Oriens," (O Morning Star), December 21st, an icon of Our Lady of the Sign
6. "O Rex Gentium" (O King of the Nations), December 22nd, an icon of Christ the King
7. "O Emmanuel," December 23rd, a devotional image of the Nativity
At the conclusion of the coloring book, there is a word puzzle game; this ancient acrostic is sure to fascinate youth and adults alike, and dust off this beautiful tradition of the Church.
A wonderful activity for children or devotional for all ages (including adults), the Great O Antiphon Coloring Book is available on Etsy’s Pelican Printery House as a digital download, and can be printed in the ease of one’s own home, year after year, for personal household use.
