The third Sunday of Advent is also known as Gaudete Sunday. It is so named after the first word in the Introit: Gaudete (Rejoice!).
INTROIT ¤ Phil. 4. 4-6
Rejoice in the Lord always: again I say, rejoice. Let your modesty be known to all men: for the Lord is nigh. Be nothing solicitous: but in every thing by prayer let your petitions be made known to God. -- (Ps. 84. 2). Lord, Thou hast blessed Thy land: Thou hast turned away the captivity of Jacob. V.: Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Rejoice in the Lord always: again I say, rejoice. Let your modesty be known to all men: for the Lord is nigh. Be nothing solicitous: but in every thing by prayer let your petitions be made known to God.This is one of only two Sunday's where Rose colored vestments may be worn. The other is Laetare Sunday in Lent. Read more in a Q&A about the use of rose-colored vestments: Liturgy: Rose-Colored Vestments on Gaudete Sunday.
Ember Days of Advent are coming upon us, as well - this Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. These are pentitential days in the Extraordinary Form.
Further reading:
- Missa Gaudete (Extraordinary Form Propers)
- Gaudete Rose - WDTPRS CONFIRMATION POLL (Fr. Z)
- WDTPRS: Gaudete Sunday - Collect…. how is your Advent going? (Fr. Z)
- Newman: A Meditation for the Third Sunday of Advent: Holiness in this Earth and the Next (NLM)
The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!