Today, the third Sunday in Advent is Gaudate Sunday when the celebrant wears rose coloured vestments. “Gaudete” is a Latin word meaning “rejoice.” It comes from the opening word of the introit (entrance song) of the third Sunday of Advent liturgy, which is derived from Philippians 4:4-5: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near.”
The priests wear rose coloured vestments on this day. The third candle on the Advent wreath is rose (pink) as well. While purple/violet is a colour to signify prayer, penance, and preparation, the colour change to rose signifies the joy we can experience now that Christmas is almost here. The six solemn weeks of Advent is broken up with a bit of celebration on this Sunday, like Mothering Sunday breaks up the season of Lent.
