Today, we celebrate the third Sunday of Advent which is called Rejoice Sunday or Gaudete Sunday! The third Sunday of Advent is traditionally called Gaudete Sunday because Gaudete is the Latin word for rejoice, and this Sunday is the time for us to rejoice because Jesus came and died so that we may live forever with Him and God wants to include each of us in His promise of unity in the world! This comes from the Introit or the opening Antiphon of this Sunday’s Mass, ‘Gaudete in Domino semper…’ or ‘Rejoice in the Lord always…’ which reminds us of the Aspect of Joy that we focus on in this Sunday’s celebration of the season of Advent. The third Sunday of Advent gives us the opportunity to prepare in our hearts a sense of holy anticipation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus as well as for his promised second coming. We can study the Scriptures as a reminder of the ways God has been faithful to us through the fulfillment of prophecy—and find hope in the promises of God that are laid out in his Word.

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT MEANING AND SYMBOLISM: The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word adventus, which means “coming.”  Advent is a penitential season of abstinence, sacrifice, and prayer in order to prepare our souls for the advent or coming of the Lord. On Gaudete Sunday we celebrate that our hopeful anticipation for the coming of Christ at Christmas is almost over. Rose is the liturgical color used to signify joy, therefore we light the rose Advent candle on the third Sunday of Advent and the priests wear rose vestments. Gaudete Sunday corresponds to Laetare Sunday during the season of Lent.

The tradition for the third Sunday of Advent includes lighting a third candle on the Advent wreath – a pink or rose one – is often called the Shepherd’s Candle and symbolizes Joy. It helps us remember to be joyful at the coming birth of Jesus. This third Sunday of Advent we read, pray, and reflect on the joy that God’s plan gives us (foretold by the prophets and fulfilled by the life and death of Christ), and we meditate on the promise of Christ’s coming glory-filled return.

On this third Sunday of Advent we are invited to reflect on the joy we have access to because of our faith in Jesus. One of the defining characteristics of Christ-followers is their joyful demeanor. Let’s not allow the struggles of this year steal from the great joy we have because of Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-5 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”

Over this Advent, we pray that the joy of the Lord would be evident in our heart and our home. May God’s spirit transform the days leading up to Christmas into a time of holy anticipation; preparing our hearts, as we joyfully await the chance to celebrate the arrival of our King.

PRAYER FOR JOY ON THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT:

A PERSONAL PRAYER FOR JOY: Psalm 51: 12 says, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.”  Lord, would you restore the joy of our salvation? Help us to be willing to follow you with all we have. As we read the Scriptures that remind us who you are and the ways you love us, ignite in us a sense of joy that overflows out of our hearts! Let this holy joy be contagious and spill over onto the lives of those around us. May your peace that surpasses all understanding be upon us…especially as we’re wrapping up a year that has felt very scary and uncertain. Encourage our hearts with the knowledge that with you we can live in your perfect peace, no matter our circumstances. We thank you for the joy and peace you give! Amen🙏

A PRAYER FOR JOY IN OUR WORLD: Luke 2:10-11 says, “But the Angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Lord, the good news of Jesus’ arrival brings such joy to our world! Reach those who are lost and searching with the message of hope that we have through the Messiah. God, allow your message of peace to bring comfort to our anxious world. As we all go about the holiday season, let the message of great joy pierce through all the noise and into people’s hearts. Amen🙏

THE ADVENT WREATH: THIRD WEEK PRAYER: The joyful Sunday in Advent (known as “Gaudete”) is represented by rose (or pink) instead of the penitential purple color. Each night during the third week the mother of the family lights the pink, as well as the two previously burned purple candles, after the following prayer has been said.

LEADER: O Lord, we beg Thee, incline Thy ear to our prayers and enlighten the darkness of our minds by the grace of Thy visitation. Through Christ our Lord.
ALL: Amen🙏

(The three candles are allowed to burn during the evening meals of the third week.)

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT (GAUDETE SUNDAY) | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/third-sunday-of-advent-gaudete-sunday/

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