December 17 has long marked the beginning of the “Great O” antiphons that have been used from perhaps as early as the seventh century.  Wisdom is the subject of the first antiphon.

O Wisdom, proceeding from the mouth

Of the Most high, pervading and

Permeating all creation, mightily

Ordering all things:

Come and teach us the way of prudence.

Wisdom is the gift of wise practical living in uprightness, justice and fairness.   In wisdom, God created the world, “The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens (Proverbs 3:19-20).”  For us, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Only “fools despise wisdom and instruction (Prv. 1:7).”

Jesus, the son of God, knew wisdom, “He became strong, filled with wisdom (Luke 2:40).”  Therefore, it ought not to surprise us that God would create our salvation with wisdom also.  He used wisdom which confounded human wisdom.  He sent his Son to be crucified for us and for our salvation.  He did this so that no one could boast in God’s presence that he did it himself.  We point to the cross and say, “There is God’s wisdom.”