Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday)

The Third Sunday of Advent is known as "Gaudete Sunday" from the Latin word meaning "Rejoice!" It marks a shift in tone as we reach the midpoint of Advent—the penitential character gives way to joyful anticipation.

"Rejoice in the Lord Always"

The entrance antiphon for this Sunday comes from Philippians:

"Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, 'Rejoice!' Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand." — Philippians 4:4-5

This joy is not superficial happiness but deep confidence that God keeps his promises. Christmas is coming. The Lord is near.

The Rose Candle

On the Advent wreath, the third candle is rose (pink) rather than purple. This visual change signals the shift from penitence to joy. The priest may also wear rose vestments, the only other time being Laetare Sunday in Lent.

John's Testimony

The Gospel often features John the Baptist's testimony about Jesus:

"He declared, and didn’t deny, but he declared, 'I am not the Christ.'" — John 1:20, 26-27

Even the greatest prophet is unworthy to perform the lowest servant's task for Jesus. This humility in the presence of Christ is the proper response to his coming.

"Are You the One?"

In some years, we hear of John's disciples asking Jesus:

"and said to him, 'Are you he who comes, or should we look for another?'" — Matthew 11:3

Jesus points to his works: the blind see, the lame walk, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor receive good news. The Messiah is known by his deeds.

Joy in Waiting

Gaudete Sunday teaches us that Christian waiting is not passive or gloomy. Even in the midst of Advent's penitential discipline, joy breaks through. We wait not in uncertainty but in confident hope. The One we await has already come once—and will surely come again.

Approaching Christmas

With Gaudete Sunday, we enter the final stretch of Advent. The O Antiphons begin on December 17. The preparations intensify. The joy increases. He is near!