In years past the third Sunday in Advent was known as Gaudete Sunday. The name came from the Latin form of the first word of the Introit for that day: "Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, Rejoice!" In a season which was known for its solemn preparation for Christmas, this Sunday was a little respite from seriousness. The color of the day changed from violet to rose and flowers were allowed on the altar.

With the rise of liturgical renewal, Christians have stressed hope rather than repentance as the main theme of Advent, and many have turned to blue rather than violet as the color of the season. On this Sunday, however, the theme of Gaudete, the sound of rejoicing, still flows forth from this lesson of Zephaniah. Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with a…