Gaudete Sunday is so called after the first word in Latin of the Introit for the day in the Roman Catholic mass: Gaudete in Domino semper, or “Rejoice in the Lord always.”
Its theme of Joy is meant to remind us of the joy that the world experienced at the birth of Jesus. Also referred to as Rose Sunday, it brings with it a lifting of the mood a bit from that of the traditional Advent observance. Those of you whose Advent candle sets are purple and pink will light the pink candle today.
Enjoy a rendition of the Medieval carol: Gaudete