GAUDETE SUNDAY THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT.
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)
The Advent Wreath is an important liturgical symbol which helps us to prepare the way of the Lord with the lighting of the candles each week. During Advent, family and friends can gather around the Advent Wreath lighting the appropriate candle(s), read from the daily Advent meditation and sing Advent hymns. The Church's official Book of Blessings also provides a blessing ceremony for the Advent Wreath which can be used in the absence of a priest.
The rose candle is lit the third Sunday of Advent, for this colour anticipates and symbolises 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 colour vestments are permitted. The traditional colour 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.
A simple way to get in the spirit of this day since we are officially half way through advent
( although it depends on the calendar and we are really this year closer to Christmas), is to wear something in a rose colour to remind us to rejoice. For us ladies, the possibilities are endless- lipstick, handkerchief, scarf, dress, shoes, stockings (for the more daring) handbag or perhaps tips in the hair!!! For men, it may be a little more challenging since rose is generally not a male colour - perhaps a rose coloured tie or handkerchief or perhaps a lighter coloured under garment might be another possibility.
The main reason of course is not to buy a whole new outfit ( however enticing that might be) but to remember that in wearing this colour, you are in the spirit of rejoicing. I have heard of families having their Christmas get together on this Sunday. It may be a practical matter but it is good to remember that although we are rejoicing, we are still in Advent. Christ is not yet born for this year (although of course He was born over 2000 years ago.).
Staying therefore in the season of Advent is important and getting the most from this season.
( although it depends on the calendar and we are really this year closer to Christmas), is to wear something in a rose colour to remind us to rejoice. For us ladies, the possibilities are endless- lipstick, handkerchief, scarf, dress, shoes, stockings (for the more daring) handbag or perhaps tips in the hair!!! For men, it may be a little more challenging since rose is generally not a male colour - perhaps a rose coloured tie or handkerchief or perhaps a lighter coloured under garment might be another possibility.
The main reason of course is not to buy a whole new outfit ( however enticing that might be) but to remember that in wearing this colour, you are in the spirit of rejoicing. I have heard of families having their Christmas get together on this Sunday. It may be a practical matter but it is good to remember that although we are rejoicing, we are still in Advent. Christ is not yet born for this year (although of course He was born over 2000 years ago.).
Staying therefore in the season of Advent is important and getting the most from this season.
.
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.
Here is the link or perhaps you may prefer Rejoice, Rejoice Rejoice greatly from Messiah
