The four Sundays of Advent have four different themes. This graphic does a good job of describing these four themes. This third Sunday of Advent that we celebrate this upcoming weekend has a special name: Guadete Sunday. The tradition of this third Sunday goes back to the fourth or fifth century, which is where we trace back the tradition of Advent.
Gaudete Sunday shifts the focus of Advent. The first two weeks of Advent focus on the coming of the Lord, on our preparations, our watching, our alertness. As we prepared, we are focused on a lot of details. On Guadete Sunday, there is a greater sense of joyful anticipation as the birth of the Lord drawers closer. There is a special liturgical color for Guadete Sunday, as the priest wears a rose-colored vestment and the Advent wreath has a rose-colored candle which is lit.
The word “Gaudete” is the Latin word for “rejoice.” We rejoice in our Lord who loves us. We await his coming not with fear, but rather with great joy. Our second reading from the first letter of St Paul to the Thessalonians states: "Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”
Perhaps, during the pandemic, this year Guadete Sunday takes on a greater significance for us. Indeed, let us rejoice in the coming of the Lord.
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