Introduction
The Third Sunday of Advent is traditionally known as Gaudete Sunday, or the Sunday of Joy. Gaudete is Latin for “Rejoice!” and comes from the opening words of the day’s Entrance Antiphon: Gaudete in Domino semper (“Rejoice in the Lord always!”), taken from Philippians 4:4.
Although Advent is a season of joyful expectation, Gaudete Sunday places special emphasis on that joy as the Church anticipates the approaching celebration of Christ’s birth.
The joy of Gaudete Sunday is symbolized by the lighting of the rose-colored candle on the Advent wreath. Priests may also wear rose-colored vestments, emphasizing the day’s theme of rejoicing.