Explore artworks of the Advent antiphons
The Advent booklet, O Come, Emmanuel, features newly commissioned illustrations for the antiphons and the Magnificat. These eight illustrations were created using traditional Korean watercolour on delicate rice paper. By reimagining the Advent story through a traditional medium, these works draw together the promises of the Old Testament and the fulfilment of them Christians find in the New. They invite us into wonder, peace and joyful expectation.
View and download the images below:
| 1. O Wisdom | 5. O Morning Star |
| 2. O Adonai | 6. O King of the Nations |
| 3. O Root of Jesse | 7. O Emmanuel |
| 4. O Key of David | 8. Magnificat |
Copyright notice: Digital versions of the original artwork from O Come Emmanuel by SunYoung Kim may be downloaded and used for non-commercial use by local churches, chaplaincies, schools and individuals during Advent and Christmas 2025 without formal permission being sought. (Any use after 31 December 2025 will require the artist’s permission in advance.)
Please credit the artist SunYoung Kim and where possible include a link to cofe.io/OComeEmmanuel
In addition to SunYoung Kim’s paintings of the antiphons included in O Come, Emmanuel, there are numerous other artistic representations of them online, including a set of banners created by The Benedictine Sisters of Turvey Abbey.
Create your own symbols
There are also simple templates for making your own symbols which can be downloaded here in TIF or JPG format.
- Use gold card or coloured paper to cut out simple shapes.
- Create wire or ribbon circles (for the ‘O’) with a symbol inside.
- Try clay, embroidery, or even stained-glass-style tissue paper.
- Adapt ideas from Advent decorations – such as wooden stars on sticks – to reflect each antiphon.