On the third Sunday of advent we light the third candle, known as the Candle of Joy. It reminds of the joy that Mary felt when the angel Gabriel told her that a special child would be born to her - a child who would save and deliver his people.
The line "A candle to welcome brave Mary's new boy" is taken from third verse of the Advent hymn that was introduced in the first Advent banner. The third Sunday of Advent is also known as “Gaudete Sunday”. The Latin Gaudete is translated as Rejoice, the first word of the introit of this day's Mass: “Rejoice in the Lord always...”. Gaudete (“Rejoice”) is also a sacred Christmas carol, composed sometime in the 16th century. The song was published in a collection of Finnish/Swedish sacred songs in 1582. The original lyrics are written in Latin, but is also provided here in English:
Note that the first verse is also the refrain. |
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