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 ...