Third Week of Advent: "REJOICE!"

Rejoice in the Lord always! I say again. Rejoice!

Yesterday, the rose-colored candle in the advent wreath was lit.
Finally.

Not many people realize the significance of this week in the course of the Advent celebration. Traditionally, the third Sunday of Advent is called "Gaudete Sunday", literally translated to "Rejoice Sunday" in English. That is the reason why if you have observed, the color of the vestments used by the priest and even the candles in the Advent wreath are also colored pink, deviating from the purple color that connotes a theme of penitence.

This week, we are called towards joyous anticipation of the Lord's coming. After all, what is there cause not to be joyous of? Is not the birth we anticipate the cause of our salvation? Is not the love that God has so generously poured out to us the cause of all our successes and conveniences in life?

We do not have to pass the season of waiting for Jesus' coming in pure penitence. Christmas is a joyful celebration. Therefore, like the Cherubims in their heavenly loft, we must sing in revelry:

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord. My spirit finds joy in God, my savior...