Gaudete: Rose Sunday

Rejoice Sunday it is, Gaudete, Rose Sunday, named for the first word of the Introit in the Latin Mass for this Third Sunday of Advent. Slightly lifting the penitential tone of the Season to rejoice, we may light the rose colored candle in the Advent wreath, and church paraments and clergy vestments may be pink instead of violet/purple. Or, in our New Anglicanism, instead of Sarum blue.

The lectionary framers, I’m proud of them for doing something for a reason: our 2nd Reading for Advent 3B is this:

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil.

May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.

And the altar candles may be closed up to the cross, signifying that Christ is near.

DThos+