Gaudete Sunday

The Third Sunday of Advent is also know as Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is the Latin word for Rejoice. It marks the halfway point in Advent when the attention turns to joy rather than our repentance. The pink candle is lit for this occasion reflecting the lighter mood.

So as we close out this Gaudete Sunday, focus on the joy of Christmas.

Here is a 16th century carol called Gaudete. The Latin and the translation are below, and you can click on the video to hear it. The first two lines are the chorus.

Latin	English
Gaudete, gaudete! Christus est natus Ex Maria virgine, gaudete!	Rejoice, rejoice! Christ is born (Out) Of the Virgin Mary – rejoice!
Tempus adest gratiæ Hoc quod optabamus, Carmina lætitiæ Devote reddamus.	The time of grace has come— what we have wished for, songs of joy Let us give back faithfully.
Deus homo factus est Natura mirante, Mundus renovatus est A Christo regnante.	God has become man, (With) nature marvelling, The world has been renewed By Christ (who is) reigning.
Ezechielis porta Clausa pertransitur, Unde lux est orta Salus invenitur.	The closed gate of Ezekiel Is passed through, Whence the light is raised, Salvation is found.
Ergo nostra contio Psallat iam in lustro; Benedicat Domino: Salus Regi nostro.	Therefore let our gathering Now sing in brightness Let it give praise to the Lord: Greeting to our King.