Information‎ > ‎Banner Quotes‎ > ‎

Third Sunday of Advent: Joy

posted 14 Dec 2008, 07:54 by St Lawrence C of E Church   [ updated 14 Dec 2008, 08:14 ]
 
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:

Latin English
Gaudete, gaudete! Christus est natus
Ex Maria virgine, gaudete!		 Rejoice, rejoice! Christ is born
Of the Virgin Mary, rejoice!
Tempus adest gratiæ
Hoc quod optabamus,
Carmina lætitiæ
Devote reddamus.		 The time of grace has come
That we have desired;
Let us devoutly return
Joyful verses.
Deus homo factus est
Natura mirante,
Mundus renovatus est
A Christo regnante.		 God has become man,
And nature marvels;
The world has been renewed
By Christ who is King.
Ezechielis porta
Clausa pertransitur,
Unde lux est orta
Salus invenitur.		 The closed gate of Ezechiel
Has been passed through;
Whence the light is born,
Salvation is found.
Ergo nostra cantio,
Psallat iam in lustro;
Benedicat Domino:
Salus Regi nostro.		 Therefore let our song
Now be sung in brightness
Let it give praise to the Lord:
Greeting to our King.
 
Note that the first verse is also the refrain.