“Come, O Promised One; Come and Bring us Light!”
As we rejoice on this “Gaudete Sunday," we light the third candle on our Advent wreaths. The Latin word “gaudete” comes from the Introit, or entrance antiphon of the traditional Latin Mass. The Introit is taken from Philippians 4:4-5, "Gaudete in Domino semper (Rejoice in the Lord always)". The mood in the sanctuary is lightened somewhat, as rose colored vestments may be worn by the priest and the rose colored candle is lit.
We are asked to be patient until the coming of the Lord. Our hearts, like our empty crèche, lie waiting for the Christ Child to come and fill them.
This Sunday we sing the hymn, “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming." The “Rose," our Lord, whose fragrance fills the world -- ever blooming, ever beautiful, from a tender bud -- will surely dispel the darkness of our soul, the darkness of the world and the darkness of sin and sadness. In the words of Isaiah, “Fear not! Our God will come to save us!” (Isaiah 45:8) May the “Rose” bloom in your hearts as we patiently await his birth!
