Rejoice! Say It Again. Rejoice!

On this third Sunday of Advent, the Catholic Church celebrates “Gaudete” Sunday. If you are familiar with the Latin version of the Advent hymn, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” you will notice this word means REJOICE. This is the way the archangel Gabriel greeted Mary. Here are a number of ways we celebrate this time in Advent.

1. The Advent Wreath is composed of 5 candles; 3 purple, 1 pink (rose) and 1 white. The purple candles represent penance. It is also the color of royalty. The pink or rose candle, lit specifically on the 3^rd Sunday of Advent, symbolizes rejoicing. Rejoice for the Savior of the world is coming soon! The white candle in the center represents Christ and Christmas. Remember that Christmas is not just a word; it is a celebration of the Mass of Christ.
2. The priest wears vestments that are pink or rose colored. Colors are a wonderful way we have to understand our faith. We prepare ourselves to receive Christ into the world and into our lives.
3. As stated above, colors are a wonderful way to reflect on and remember God’s truth. In the different liturgical seasons there are different colors that remind us of our mission to evangelize world.

Jesus, I Trust In You.

Ave Maria!

Praised be Jesus Christ!
 

I found a wonderful video of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" presented by the Derby Cathedral Choir in England. Rejoice!