What Is Third Sunday of Advent?
The Third Sunday of Advent is a significant observance within the Christian liturgical calendar, marking the midpoint of the Advent season. This period of preparation and anticipation precedes the celebration of Christmas. Also widely known as Gaudete Sunday, its name derives from the Latin word “Gaudete,” meaning “rejoice,” taken from the traditional opening antiphon of the day’s liturgy.
This Sunday introduces a distinctive theme of joy and jubilation amidst the otherwise penitential tone of Advent. It serves as a moment for believers to reflect on the approaching joy of Christ’s birth and the expectation of his second coming. The Third Sunday of Advent is observed by numerous Christian denominations across the world, including Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, and Methodists.
History and Origins of Third Sunday of Advent
The observance of Advent itself dates back to the fourth and fifth centuries, evolving as a period of fasting and prayer in preparation for Epiphany, and later, Christmas. The formalisation of Advent as a four-Sunday season leading up to Christmas is generally attributed to Pope Gregory I in the sixth century. The introduction of specific themes for each Sunday, however, developed over subsequent centuries.
The designation of the Third Sunday as a day of joy, Gaudete Sunday, has its roots in ancient Roman liturgical practice. It parallels Laetare Sunday in Lent, which also traditionally permits a temporary alleviation of penitential rigour. The use of rose-coloured vestments and candles on this day is a historical tradition, visually reinforcing the theme of rejoicing and hope as the season progresses towards its joyful culmination. This tradition highlights a break in the otherwise sombre violet or purple colour associated with Advent’s penitential aspect.
How Third Sunday of Advent Is Celebrated
Celebrations of the Third Sunday of Advent largely revolve around liturgical practices and specific customs associated with the Advent season. The core of the observance is found within church services, where the theme of joy is pronounced.
Liturgical Practices
In many Christian churches, the Third Sunday of Advent is distinct due to the use of rose-coloured vestments by clergy, rather than the violet or purple typically worn during Advent. This colour symbolises joy and marks a mid-Advent pause in penitence. The biblical readings chosen for this Sunday often focus on themes of rejoicing, hope, and the imminent arrival of Christ, particularly drawing from passages in Isaiah, Philippians, and Matthew. Congregations are encouraged to reflect on the message of hope and joyful expectation.
Advent Wreath Traditions
A central element of Advent observance, the Advent wreath, plays a special role on the Third Sunday. On this day, the third candle to be lit is traditionally rose-coloured, standing out amongst the three violet or purple candles. This rose candle is often the symbol most widely recognised as representing Gaudete Sunday and its message of joy. Families and church communities gather to light this candle, often accompanied by prayers and readings that reinforce the theme of rejoicing for the approaching Christmas celebration.
Hymns and Music
Many traditional hymns and carols associated with Advent are sung during services on this Sunday, with particular emphasis on those that convey themes of joy, peace, and expectation. The shift in liturgical colour and thematic focus often inspires more celebratory music, helping to create an atmosphere of hopeful anticipation among congregants. These traditions are consistently observed across various Christian denominations globally, reflecting a shared understanding of Advent’s progression towards Christmas.
When Is Third Sunday of Advent?
The Third Sunday of Advent is a moveable observance, meaning its date varies each year. It is determined by its position within the Advent season, which always comprises the four Sundays leading up to Christmas Day. As Christmas Day (25th December) is a fixed date, the date of the First Sunday of Advent changes annually, and subsequently, so do the dates of the Second, Third, and Fourth Sundays.
To calculate the Third Sunday of Advent, one first identifies the First Sunday of Advent, which is the Sunday closest to 30th November. The Third Sunday then falls two weeks after the First Sunday of Advent. For instance, if the First Sunday of Advent is 1st December, the Third Sunday would be on 15th December. If Christmas Day falls on a Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Advent is also Christmas Day itself. The observance adheres to the Gregorian calendar system.
Third Sunday of Advent Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Religious Observance |
| Date | Variable (third Sunday of Advent) |
| Countries | Numerous (worldwide Christian denominations) |
| Also known as | Gaudete Sunday |
| Calendar system | Gregorian |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gaudete Sunday?
Gaudete Sunday is the traditional name for the Third Sunday of Advent. The term "Gaudete" is Latin for "rejoice," taken from the opening words of the Introit (Philippians 4:4-5) traditionally read on this day, emphasising the theme of joy as Christmas approaches.
Why is a rose candle lit on the Advent wreath on this Sunday?
The rose-coloured candle on the Advent wreath symbolises joy and is lit on the Third Sunday of Advent. This colour offers a visual respite from the penitential violet typically used during Advent, signifying the nearing celebration of Christmas and the rejoiceful expectation of Christ's arrival.
How is the date of the Third Sunday of Advent determined?
The Third Sunday of Advent is a variable observance, always falling on the third Sunday of the Advent season. Advent always begins four Sundays before Christmas, and its specific dates shift annually depending on the day of the week that Christmas Day occurs.