At the Magnificat at Vespers on December 17 begins the singing of the solemn antiphons appointed for the week preceding Christmas. Each of them is a fervent appeal for the coming of the Messias. In words taken from Scripture they all proclaim the divine titles and the high prerogatives of the Savior of the world together with His important mission.

Antiphon for December 17: O Wisdom, who camest out of 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.