Christmas Tide - O'Antiphons

O' Antiphons start this week as a preparation for Christmas.  So, I thought I would offer a reflective blog on this with a doula twist :) 
December 17th O SapientiaLATIN: O Sapientia, quae ex ore Altissimi prodidisti, attingens a fine usque ad finem, fortiter suaviter disponensque omnia: veni ad docendum nos viam prudentiae. 
English:   O Wisdom, who came from the mouth of the Most High, reaching from end to end and ordering all things mightily and sweetly: come, and teach us the way of prudence.
Prudence is a virtue.   Father Rickaby aptly renders it as “right reason applied to practice”.    Its function is to point out which course of action is to be taken in any round of concrete circumstances. As mothers we need prudence in making decisions about everyday life to pregnancy and birth. If you are currently pregnant, you maybe asking - who will be my provider? Where will I give birth?  Will I do a natural birth this time? Will I have an epidural?   
Doulas: We can guide mothers to helping them make right decisions. If they ask us for an opinion - remember to back it up with evidence. Say, "the evidence shows homebirth is safe" and then give an example for instance.  This way you are gently giving the mother still the option to take this information or not in an  evidence way! 
OK, on to the next  O'Antiphon...

December 18th: "O Adonai"
LATIN: O Adonai, et Dux domus Israel, qui Moysi in igne flammae rubi apparuisti, et ei in Sina legem dedisti: veni ad redimendum nos in brachio extento.
ENGLISH: O Lord and Ruler the house of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the flame of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai: come, and redeem us with outstretched arms.
Mamas - sometimes you just want to burn something or at least feel angry? Yep, we  have had those days where everything seems to fall apart. Turn to God the Ruler and ask him for some extra help! That's all you have to do is turn to Him in prayer!
Doulas: Do you ever feel frustrated about birth or postpartum? This is also your turn to turn to God the Ruler and ask for help too! 

December 19th:   O Radix Jesse...

LATIN: O Radix Jesse, qui stas in signum populorum, super quem continebunt reges os suum, quem gentes deprecabuntur: veni ad liberandum nos, iam noli tardare.
ENGLISH: O Root of Jesse, that stands for an ensign of the people, before whom the kings keep silence and unto whom the Gentiles shall make supplication: come, to deliver us, and tarry not.
Mamas: Preparing for Christ's birth can be hectic and are we about to "deliver" a baby soon? (If pregnant mama here) - Prepare for your baby's birth by contemplating Jesus' birth too! 
Doulas: Feeling prepared for helping mamas can be daunting - do not get burned out. Take time for self-care or take on less clients if you are feeling overwhelmed. 

December 20th:  O Clavis David
LATIN: O clavis David, et sceptrum domus Israel: qui aperis, et nemo claudit; claudis, et nemo aperit: veni, et educ vinctum de domo carceris, sedentem in tenebris.
ENGLISH: O Key of David, and scepter of the house of Israel, who opens and no man shuts, who shuts and no man opens: come, and lead forth the captive who sits in the shadows from his prison.
Mamas: Have you asked God for the key to a happy and better birth experience? One of those keys is letting go of fears and even letting go of being in control. Letting HIM take over your upcoming labor and delivery experience - you won't regret giving him whatever outcome to be. You may be surprised at how easy your birth will become!
Doulas: We also need to yield to God in labor and birth. We should yield to the experience. Do not try to control things - give it all to God and He will take over the experience the best way and best outcome!

December 21st:  O Oriens...
 LATIN: O Oriens, splendor lucis aeternae, et sol iustitiae: veni, et illumina sedentes in tenebris et umbra mortis.
ENGLISH: O dawn of the east, brightness of light eternal, and sun of justice: come, and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. 
Mamas: This passage suggests we look to the East and the Star of Christ coming at Epiphany (Christmas). How have we prepared our hearts for Christmas this year? Are we focusing on the secular or are we preparing for spiritual side of things? If not, let's take time this week to go to confession and confess things. 
Doulas: Ditto for above! 

December 22nd:  O Rex Gentium
LATIN: O Rex gentium, et desideratus earum, lapisque angularis, qui facis utraque unum: veni, et salva hominem, quem de limo formasti.
ENGLISH: O King of the gentiles and their desired One, the cornerstone that makes both one: come, and deliver man, whom you formed out of the dust of the earth.
O come, Desire of nations, bind. In one the hearts of all mankind; Bid Thou our sad divisions cease; And be Thyself our King of peace.
Mamas: Wow, this one really  is breaking us down to dust... reminds me - have you swept your house lately? Maybe this passage is reminding us to keep our house and hearts clean for  Jesus' birth. Is there something you need to do spiritually or physically this week to prepare for Jesus. Take time to do it! 
Doulas: This reminds us to be humble as doulas - do not go out and be boastful of your accomplishments too much. It is ok to market your services - but also give free content to your mamas as well.

December 23rd:   O Emmanuel
LATIN: O Emmanuel, Rex et legifer noster, exspectatio gentium, et Salvator earum: veni ad salvandum nos Domine Deus noster.
ENGLISH: O Emmanuel, God with us, our King and lawgiver, the expected of the nations and their Savior: come to save us, O Lord our God.
Mamas - Jesus is almost here. Are we ready for HIM? Take time today to pray a Rosary or read something spiritual to keep HIS love in our hearts. If you are pregnant and expecting a baby, count all the blessings of this season and ask Jesus to help you deliver your baby safely!
Doulas - Jesus is almost here - are you ready for HIM? Also, take time to pray a Rosary or say a prayer for any of your mama clients! 

December 24th  is Christmas Eve! This year it is on a Sunday. So, are you wanting to know what fulfills your obligation for Sunday. 
*You can go to Evening Mass on Saturday! You can go to Sunday morning Mass  or a noon Mass. I don't think there are any late Masses this weekend. 
Any Evening Masses will probably be anticipation for Christmas or Midnight Mass!
So, since Christmas is also a Holy day - you will need to go to a second Mass the next day (if going on Sunday or even going to Midnight Mass). 
Check your Sunday bulletin for anything about when your Mass schedules will be! 

By the way, if you want a last minute Gift Card to our Birth shop - we are offering a 40% off on our gift cards - this means you can save money on a future item. Note: Gift cards that are on sale are not good on full doula courses, but will be good for mini classes, books and things like that. Thank you. 
Please note the Sale for gift cards is good from today through December 24th. Thank you. :) 

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