O Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness!
The fourth antiphon begins with the traditional title for Christ, O Key of David (O Clavis David).
The key and scepter are traditional symbols of kingly power and authority. Christ, the anointed one, is heir of David and possessor of the kingdom. Jesus himself also made use of this symbol, showing the prophetic relationship of the earthly kingdom of God. All power and authority was given to Him after the resurrection, and He entrusted this power to “bind and to loose” to Peter and the ministers of His church. We look to Jesus to unlock the fetter of sin that keep us tightly chained. It is He who frees us from our captivity.
To give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Luke 1:79
Today, O Key of David, and royal power of Israel, come and open in me what no one else can open and deliver me from darkness and death.
Smitten With Goodness 