The rose candle is lit the third Sunday of Advent, for this color anticipates and symbolizes the Christmas joy announced in the first word of the Entrance Antiphon: "Rejoice" (Latin, Gaudete). For this reason the Third Sunday is also called Gaudete Sunday, and rose color vestments are permitted. The traditional color of the vestments during Weeks 1, 2 and 4 is either purple or violet to represent penitential spirit. Advent is a season of hope, but a penitential spirit during this season is a fitting way to prepare the way of the Lord.
Gaudete Sunday is the third Sunday of Advent in the Christian calendar. It can fall on any date from 11 December to 17 December. The term Gaudete is broadly translated from Latin as Rejoice, a word that appears in the entrance antiphon (introit) of Masses held on this day: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice! The Lord is near. (Roman Catholic Rite years A, B and C).
On Gaudete Sunday rose-coloured vestments may be worn instead of violet, which is prescribed for every day in the season of
Advent. A rose coloured candle is included in the Advent wreath. During
the otherwise penitential season of Advent, the readings on the third
Sunday emphasize the joyous anticipation of the Lord's coming.
So on this rejoicing Sunday let us really feel and see and sense it.
We may wish to sing this hymn throughout the day
'Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice'
Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice.
Rejoice, Rejoice, again, I say rejoice.
Rejoice, Rejoice, again I say rejoice.
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