The Daily Devotional
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
O Wisdom: Ordering Our Hearts in the Advent Dawn
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever.” — Psalm 111:10
Introduction
December 17 marks the beginning of the ancient “O Antiphons,” the beloved seven-day countdown to Christmas that has echoed in Christian worship since at least the eighth century. Each antiphon highlights a title of the Messiah, rooted in the prophetic hope of Isaiah. Today’s devotional focuses on O Sapientia — “O Wisdom”, proclaiming Christ as the divine Wisdom who orders all things “mightily and sweetly.” As Advent deepens, we are invited to listen for this Wisdom and allow Christ to shape our thoughts, choices, and pathways.
Reflection
“O Wisdom, coming forth from the mouth of the Most High…” This opening line invites us to imagine Christ not only as Redeemer but also as the very voice through whom creation was spoken into being. His Wisdom reaches “from one end to the other,” unseen yet steady—much like the quiet order woven into creation itself.
Think of a moment from everyday life: perhaps standing in a grocery store aisle during the December rush. Carts squeak, children chatter, someone sighs loudly while scanning a list. Everything feels hurried, jumbled, and slightly chaotic. Yet look closer—beneath the noise, there is still a hidden rhythm: shelves stocked by unseen hands, lines moving forward, people doing their best to navigate ordinary life. Even in the frenzy, there is a quiet order that keeps everything moving.
In the same way, Christ’s Wisdom is at work beneath the surface of our lives. Even when things seem disordered—our schedules, our relationships, our emotions—His presence gently aligns what feels scattered. Divine Wisdom does not shout; it whispers. It does not coerce; it invites. And in this Advent season, Wisdom calls us to pause, breathe, and allow the Lord to teach us “the way of prudence”—the way of steady, grounded, Spirit-led living.
Application
Today, take one intentional pause. Before responding to a message, making a decision, or stepping into a stressful moment, whisper: “Come, O Wisdom, guide my steps.” Let Christ be the Voice that shapes your reactions and the Light that orders your path. Wisdom is not about knowing everything—it’s about listening deeply to the One who does.
Conclusion
As the O Antiphons begin, we lift our hearts to Christ, the eternal Wisdom who orders all things with might and sweetness. When life feels chaotic or rushed, we can rest in the truth that Wisdom is already at work, inviting us into a deeper, quieter, more centered way of living. Advent is God’s gentle reminder: Let Christ order your world from the inside out.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, O Wisdom from on high, as this Advent day unfolds, teach me to listen for Your quiet voice in the midst of all that clamors for my attention. Order my thoughts, guide my choices, and ground my spirit in Your gentle strength. Where I am scattered, gather me; where I am hurried, slow me; where I am unsure, instruct me in Your way of prudence. Let Your Wisdom shape my path today as I look with hope toward Your coming. Amen.
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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