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Christmas, Religion

Happy Advent! Gaudete Sunday (3rd Sunday of Advent

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[This has been updated from 2023 with new description of the day and new source material]

The first two Sundays of Advent are times of penance and reflection. On the third Sunday, it is time to remember both the joy to come with the birth of Jesus and his return. The third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete Sunday or Rejoice Sunday. Gaudete is the Latin word for Rejoice so is commonly called that on traditional Christian liturgical calendars. The third Sunday is the joyful midpoint on our way towards Christmas, so we spend time reflecting on joy and hope.

Back in the Middle Ages, church leaders realized that if you have an entire season of repentance, you need to also celebrate joy and hope. Without that, its whole purpose would be lost. So on Gaudete Sunday we take time to step back from the somber nature of the season and celebrate the joy and hope that is to come. Rather than the somber purple of penance, the liturgical color is rose or pink (priests or ministers can wear either one). And the advent candle for this day is one of those colors as well. Since we are lighting this candle on Gaudete Sunday, it is the candle of joy.

The scripture readings will also reflect this as well. Often St. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians is read in particular verses 4:4-7:

“Brothers and sisters: Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

On this particular Sunday, you will see more joyful decorations in church with emphasis on joy. Colorful flowers, decorations, and banners may be displayed. Music will be joyful as well along with special prayers offered during the service. Families are encouraged to get together for a special meal on this Gaudete Sunday (often a brunch).

Suggested Reading

Santa, Thomas M. The Essential Advent and Christmas Handbook: A Daily Companion, 2000.

For More Information

Gaudete Sunday

Christianity.com Editorial Staff, “What Is Gaudete Sunday? Meaning, History, and Traditions,” Christianity.Com, last modified December 18, 2023, https://www.christianity.com/wiki/holidays/gaudete-sunday-third-advent-sunday.html.

Catholic Answers, “Gaudete Sunday,” Catholic Answers, last modified November 23, 2021, https://www.catholic.com/encyclopedia/gaudete-sunday.

Advent

Infoplease, “Advent: Dates, Traditions, and History,” InfoPlease, last modified November 18, 2021, http://www.infoplease.com/spot/advent1.html.

Justin Holcomb, “What Is Advent? The Season’s History, Meaning and Traditions,” Christianity.Com, last modified November 18, 2024, https://www.christianity.com/wiki/holidays/what-is-advent.html.

“What Is Advent?” USCCB. https://www.usccb.org/prayer-worship/liturgical-year/advent.

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Holidays, Religion

Advent (3rd Sunday) Gaudete Sunday

 

Gaudete Sunday, sometimes called Rejoice Sunday, is the mid-point during the Advent season. Advent is, like Lent, a penitential time but shortened considerably. During Advent priests wear purple and some aspects of the liturgy are, like Lent, not performed. Likewise, the altar is kept as simple as possible. On Gaudete Sunday, the priest will wear a rose or pink color vestment, flowers are allowed in the altar, and the use of an organ is allowed as well. The purpose of the day is to remind that during a time of penance (or any period of darkness) is that God’s joy is with us. That times of darkness are temporary, and we should rejoice. The Advent wreath candle for the day is also rose or pink as well. The word gaudete means rejoice in Latin.

The hymn Veni, veni, Emmanuel (or better known in English as (O come, O come, Emmanuel ) is sung in churches on this day.

Veni, Veni Emmanuel
Veni, veni Emmanuel!
Captivum solve Israel!
Qui gemit in exilio,
Privatus Dei Filio,
Gaude, gaude, Emmanuel
nascetur per te, Israel.

O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here,
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice ! Rejoice ! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

Christmas, Religion

Today is Gaudete Sunday, the Third Sunday of Advent

 

Gaudete Sunday, sometimes called Rejoice Sunday, is the mid-point during the Advent season. Advent is, like Lent, a penitential time but shortened considerably. During Advent priests wear purple and some aspects of the liturgy are, like Lent, not performed. Likewise, the altar is kept as simple as possible. On Gaudete Sunday, the priest will wear a rose or pink color vestment, flowers are allowed in the altar, and the use of an organ is allowed as well. The purpose of the day is to remind that during a time of penance (or any period of darkness) is that God’s joy is with us. That times of darkness are temporary, and we should rejoice. The Advent wreath candle for the day is also rose or pink as well. The word gaudete means rejoice in Latin.

The hymn Veni, veni, Emmanuel (or better known in English as (O come, O come, Emmanuel ) is sung in churches on this day.

Veni, Veni Emmanuel
Veni, veni Emmanuel!
Captivum solve Israel!
Qui gemit in exilio,
Privatus Dei Filio,
Gaude, gaude, Emmanuel
nascetur per te, Israel.

O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here,
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice ! Rejoice ! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

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What Is Advent?

Advent on the Christian calendar is a season of preparation for the birth of Jesus. It is a season of joy leading up to Christmas Day and a time of preparation similar to Lent. Prayer, fasting, and penance are part of the Advent season. The rules are not as strict as Lent but a time of self-preparation. The purple color used on candles and vestments are associated with penance. Each Advent Sunday is meant to ready oneself for rejoicing at the birth of Jesus that is to come. The Third Sunday of Advent is the anticipatory celebration, and the color rose is used to represent joy.

The Advent wreath

Many homes and churches will have an Advent wreath to symbolize the season, and to mark each Sunday as it happens. The practice began by German Lutherans in the 18th century as a means of teaching Advent to children. The practice began to spread to Catholics and other Christian denominations as well.

Advent wreaths are circular to show that God’s love is infinite and is made with evergreen leaves. It used to be a family event to gather the leaves and make the wreath. The practice has resurfaced in recent years as many families now do this again. Advent wreaths made of artificial evergreens are available in a wide series of designs. Handmade ones can be made to last many years.