3rd Sunday of Advent

Today is the Third Sunday of Advent - and we find ourselves rejoicing! Today is Gaudate Sunday - Rejoicing Sunday. We rejoice every Sunday of the year, because Sunday is the Day of Resurrection - but we make a special point of rejoicing today, because Christmas is almost here. Advent is a solemn season, marked by purple vestments, but Holy Mother Church instructs us to cast aside the solemnity for the day - to lighten up a little - hence the cheerful rose vestments. So we light the third - the rose - candle on the Advent Wreath.



Every soul in thee rejoices;
From men and from angelic voices
Be glory given to thee alone!
Now the gates of pearl receive us,
Thy presence never more shall leave us,
We stand with Angels round thy throne.
Earth cannot give below
The Bliss thou dost bestow.
Alleluia!
Grant us to raise,
To length of days,
The triumph-chorus of thy praise.

Have a Happy Sunday!