3rd Sunday of Advent

Today is Gaudate Sunday and the rose vestments remind us of the call to rejoice - the Lord is near! Indeed, in the first reading at Mass from the Prophet Isaiah, we hear the invitation to 'rejoice and sing for joy.'



Rejoice ye pure in heart;
Rejoice, give thanks, and sing;
Your glorious banner wave on high,
The cross of Christ your King.
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice,
Give thanks and sing.

Bright youth and snow crowned age,
Strong men and maidens meek,
Raise high your free, exultant song,
God’s wondrous praises speak.
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice,
Give thanks and sing.

Yes onward, onward still
With hymn, and chant and song,
Through gate, and porch and columned aisle,
The hallowed pathways throng.
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice,
Give thanks and sing.

With all the angel choirs,
With all the saints of earth,
Pour out the strains of joy and bliss,
True rapture, noblest mirth.
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice,
Give thanks and sing.

Your clear hosannas raise;
And alleluias loud;
Whilst answering echoes upward float,
Like wreaths of incense cloud.
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice,
Give thanks and sing.

With voice as full and strong
As ocean’s surging praise,
Send forth the hymns our fathers loved,
The psalms of ancient days.
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice,
Give thanks and sing.

Yes, on through life’s long path,
Still chanting as ye go;
From youth to age, by night and day,
In gladness and in woe.
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice,
Give thanks and sing.

Still lift your standard high,
Still march in firm array,
As warriors through the darkness toil,
Till dawns the golden day.
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice,
Give thanks and sing.

At last the march shall end;
The wearied ones shall rest;
The pilgrims find their heavenly home,
Jerusalem the blessed.
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice,
Give thanks and sing.

Then on, ye pure in heart!
Rejoice, give thanks and sing!
Your glorious banner wave on high,
The cross of Christ your King.
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice,
Give thanks and sing.

Praise Him Who reigns on high,
The Lord Whom we adore,
The Father, Son and Holy Ghost,
One God forevermore.
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice,
Give thanks and sing.

E H Plumptre (1821-1891)



Happy Sunday!