Advent III

Gaudete

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This Sunday is one of my favorites because I get to wear my rose (aka pink) stole!

So, where does the rose-colored stole come from?

Well, it’s tied to the understanding that Advent and Lent are penitential, seasons of repentance. The traditional color for Advent and Lent is violet (purple), but when we get past the halfway mark, there is a reprieve or break from the season’s solemnness for only one week. It’s kind of like catching our breaths so we can make it to the finish line.

For this reason, the fourth week of Lent, Laetare Sunday, and the third week of Advent, known as Gaudete, are traditionally rose or pink-colored Sundays. This is also why the third candle on the Advent wreath is rose.

In this way, the rose-colored candle, the pastor’s stole, or paraments help us tell time. We know that when we see rose, our time of joy and celebration is near. It’s just not yet!

Oh! And by the way, the name of this Sunday, Gaudete, comes from the introit, which means “Rejoice!”

So let us come and rejoice; the Savior is near!

Blessed Advent,
Pastor Rogness