THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT

Image of Candle of third week of Advent

By Edward Matulanya

Discover Meaning, practice, Sacred Scriptures reading, Joy and hope, ways of celebrating, Liturgical Colors and Music of third Week of Advent.

1. Third Sunday of Advent; Gaudete Sunday (Rejoicing in the Coming of Christ)

Gaudete Sunday marks the midpoint of Advent and emphasizes joyful anticipation of Christ's coming. The name comes from the Latin “Gaudete” (“Rejoice”), taken from the Entrance Antiphon of the Roman Missal, which encourages believers to rejoice as the Lord’s coming draws near (Roman Missal, 2011). For example, a Parish may display rose-colored flowers and the priest wears rose vestments as a symbol of Christian joy.

2. The Rose Candle: Symbolism of Joy During Advent

The rose candle on the Advent wreath represents the joy of the nearing Nativity. The growing light across the four weeks symbolizes the increasing presence of Christ, the “light of the world” (John 8:12, paraphrased). For example, families pray with the rose candle, thanking God for bringing joy and hope.

3. Catholic Meaning of the Third Week of Advent

This week stresses Christian joy rooted in God’s faithfulness and the approaching fulfillment of the messianic promises (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1997, §522–524). For example, a youth group may reflect on times when God brought hope to difficult moments.

4. Scripture Readings for the Third Week of Advent

Readings often come from Isaiah's prophecies of salvation and renewal, Paul’s call to rejoice, and the mission of John the Baptist preparing the way of the Lord. Isaiah 35, for example, speaks of dry lands blossoming, symbolizing spiritual renewal. Also, a Bible study might reflect on how God's promises bring strength and joy.

5. Why the Third Week of Advent Focuses on Joy and Hope

The Church emphasizes joy because the nearness of Christ’s coming represents the fulfillment of salvation history (CCC, 1997, §524). This is not superficial happiness but deep spiritual joy rooted in trust in God. For example, a Parish might have a gratitude wall where members post blessings from the year.

6. Gaudete Sunday Traditions in the Catholic Church

Traditions include rose vestments, joyful hymns, and heightened festivity. These liturgical signs reflect the Church’s invitation to rejoice (Roman Missal, 2011). For example, some Parishes encourage wearing rose-colored clothing to Mass.

7. Prayers and Reflections for the Third Week of Advent

Prayers this week center on joy, preparation, and asking for the grace to welcome Christ. The themes echo the Advent Prefaces in the Roman Missal, which speak of watchfulness and joyful expectation. For example, a family may pray nightly asking God to fill their home with peace.

8. How Catholics Prepare Spiritually During Week Three of Advent

Catholics are encouraged to seek Confession, practice charity, attend Mass, and spend time in prayers. Advent is a time for conversion and preparation (CCC, 1997, §1434–1438). For example, a teen may choose to pray for someone every night during this week.

9. Saints and Feast Days in the Third Week of Advent

This week may include feasts such as Saint Lucy (Dec. 13), symbol of light and faith and Saint John of the Cross (Dec. 14), teacher of prayer and interior renewal. These saints strengthen themes of light and spiritual growth. For example, a Parish may celebrate St. Lucy with candles symbolizing Christ’s coming.

10. Ways to Celebrate Gaudete Sunday as a Family

Families celebrate by lighting the rose candle, sharing joys, reading Sacred Scripture, or baking a sweet treat representing the sweetness of Christ’s birth. For example, a family may read the Sunday Gospel together and talk about what brings them joy.

11. Liturgical Colors and Their Meaning in Advent

Advent typically uses violet (penitence and preparation) and rose (joy), which appear on Gaudete Sunday. These colors express the spiritual tone of the season (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 2011). For example, the Church sanctuary may display a rose cloth over the altar.

12. The Message of John the Baptist in the Third Week of Advent

John the Baptist calls believers to repentance and readiness as he prepares the way for Christ, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy (Isaiah 40:3, paraphrased). His message is central during Advent. For example, a teen might commit to an act of kindness to “prepare the way” spiritually.

13. Acts of Charity and Service for the Third Week of Advent

The Church teaches that charity flows naturally from Christian joy and prepares the heart for Christ (CCC, 1997, §2447). Acts include donating food, helping the poor, or visiting the lonely. For example, students may collect food for a Parish pantry.

14. Catholic Advent Music and Hymns for Gaudete Week

Advent music is hopeful yet reflective, preparing the heart for Christ. Hymns such as “People Look East” or “O Come, Divine Messiah” express joyful anticipation (Roman Missal, 2011 guidelines on liturgical music). For example, a choir may add light bells or additional harmonies to express joy.

15. Preparing Your Heart for Christmas During Advent’s Third Week

The week calls Catholics to welcome Christ at Christmas, in daily life, and at His final coming (CCC, 1997, §524). This involves prayer, charity, and interior renewal. For example, a teen may choose a simple spiritual gift for Jesus, like practicing patience or helping at home.

References

Catechism of the Catholic Church. (1997). Catechism of the Catholic Church (2nd ed.). Libreria Editrice Vaticana. 

General Instruction of the Roman Missal. (2011). United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Roman Missal. (2011). United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The Holy Bible. (Public-domain paraphrase used for references to Isaiah and John).