Advent: Third Sunday

Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I say, rejoice.

Joy reigns during the modern Christmas season.
And, it seems as though this season gets longer and longer with each passing year.
Christmas decorations seem to sprout from thin air in stores the day after Halloween!

Traditionally, though, the Christmas season begins at Christmas and is celebrated until the day of Epiphany.
Prior to Christmas, as I’ve written before, is the season of Advent.
This is a time of waiting, expecting, anticipating, and preparing for the arrival of the Messiah. It is traditional a solemn time of reflection and penitence. That is why liturgical churches use violet for vestments and coverings. Violet is a color of repentance.

The early Church, however, recognized that one of the defining characteristics of our life after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ is Joy.
The verse at the beginning of this post is from Paul’s letter to the Church at Philippi. He reminded the young church to stand firm in the faith, to work together in their struggle in the Gospel, and to Rejoice at all times.

The Church, therefore, chose to remember this during the season of Advent.
In the midst of solemn preparation to receive the King of kings among them, as they sought to cleanse their hearts and make a place for the Blessed Child, they added a time for rejoicing.

The third Sunday in Advent is named Gaudete Sunday. (pron. Gow-deh-tay).
The word is taken from the first word of the Latin mass for this Sunday. It is translated “Rejoice!”

So, on this Sunday instead of the violet of penitence, we celebrate by lighting a Rose colored candle.

Let our joy be made full as we join with the entire Communion of Saints to prepare ourselves to celebrate the Coming Messiah!