This Sunday, the third of Advent, is known as "gaudete Sunday" for the latin word which means "rejoice." It is taken from the Introit to the Mass which is Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord always..." The usual violet vestment colors of Advent are replaced this day with pink/rose to remind us of the soon coming of our Lord Jesus Christ on Christmas. We are encouraged during this penitential season to still "rejoice" at the dawn of the Son of Righteousness.
Roman Catholic Daily Missal 1962
On this day the Church urges us to gladness in the middle of this time of expectation and penance. The coming of Jesus approaches more and more. St. John, the holy precursor, announces to the Jews the coming of the Savior. "The Savior," he says to them, "lives already among us, though unknown. He will soon appear openly." Now is the time for fervent prayers and for imploring Jesus to remain with us by His mercy. Let us prepare the way for Him by repentance and penance and by a worthy reception of the Sacraments. All the prayers of this Mass are filled with what the Church wishes our souls to possess at the approach of the Savior.
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