Gaudete Sunday / Rejoice!

The third Sunday of Advent is known as Gaudete Sunday. The term is derived from the Latin opening words of the introit antiphon, “Rejoice (Gaudete) in the Lord always.” The theme of the day expresses the joy of anticipation at the approach of the Christmas celebration. This theme reflects a lightening of the tone of the traditional Advent observance.

In some parishes that use violet as the color for Advent, the vestments and hangings for the Gaudete Sunday will be changed to rose or pink for one day only.   For this reason, this Sunday is sometimes known as “Rose Sunday.”  Many churches and individuals include a pink candle among the four candles of an Advent wreath.  It is always the third of the four lit.

Gaudete Sunday is a time to think about what it means to “rejoice in the Lord” and how to live into the peace that guards our hearts and minds in Christ.

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone.” ~ Philippians 4:4-5a