Third Sunday of Advent
The traditional name for the Third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday. The name comes from Gaudete in Domino semper, Latin for “Rejoice in the Lord always,” opening words of today’s entrance antiphon (brief scriptural text that is usually replaced by an opening hymn).
Because one of Advent’s tasks is to prepare us for Christ’s return at the end of time, this season once had a penitential quality similar to that of Lent. Gaudete Sunday with its rose vestments and relaxation of austerities softened the period and gave a glimpse of its fulfillment just as its counterpart, Laetare Sunday, did at the midpoint of Lent. Viewed now as a season of devout and joyful expectation, Advent retains very little of its old penitential focus, but we still have the option of using the liturgical color of rose today as we rejoice that Christmas is near, and Christ’s second coming is nearer than it was yesterday.
Advent Wreath Prayer for Gaudete Sunday
“O Lord, we beg you, incline your ear to our prayers and enlighten the darkness of our minds by the grace of your visitation.
We ask this through Jesus who lives and reigns forever. Amen.”