The Entrance Antiphon for this 3rd Sunday of Advent says it best: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4-5). Today we celebrate “Gaudete Sunday” from the Latin word “gaudeamus” or “let us rejoice.” Rose is the color of the priest’s vestments and the third candle of the Advent wreath, replacing the deep violet of the previous Sundays. We’re being hit over the head with joy today in the prayers, readings and colors of the liturgy!
In the Collect Prayer: “Enable us, we pray, to attain the joys of so great a salvation, and to celebrate them always with solemn worship and glad rejoicing. . .”
In the First Reading from Isaiah: “The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom. They will bloom with abundant flowers, and rejoice with joyful song. . .”
In the Second Reading, the apostle James tempers our joy with patience. And in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus asks John’s disciples to give him this report:
Go back and report to John what you hear and see: the blind recover their sight, cripples walk, lepers are cured, the deaf hear, dead men are raised to life, and the poor have the good news preached to them.
Clearly, those who are touched by the compassionate ministry of Jesus are changed. Their lives are enriched and transformed into something greater than they could have ever imagined. This is definitely a cause for joy!
December is a busy month. That goes without saying! Let’s not get bogged down by our over-the-top To-Do lists. Christmas is coming! Are we having joy yet?
Third Sunday of Advent Entrance Antiphon Rejoice in the Lord Always (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #10
This Entrance Antiphon! This joy!
Entrance Chant Emmanuel (Steve Angrisano)
Spirit & Song #140; Never Too Young #148; Breaking Bread 2026 #58
Steve has given the Church one of the most joyful contemporary Advent songs.
Responsorial Psalm Lord, Come and Save Us (Jeff Thomas)
Spirit & Psalm 2026: p. 28
The jazz chords in Jeff Thomas’ verbatim setting offer a very contemporary vibe to sung psalmody.
Gospel Acclamation Alleluia: Mass of Endless Mercy (Steve Angrisano)
Spirit & Psalm 2026: p. 30
This acclamation text from Luke truly complements today’s Gospel from Matthew. We are transformed by Jesus through the joy of the Holy Spirit.
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts Come, Emmanuel (Trevor Thomson)
Spirit & Song #137; Breaking Bread 2026 #62
This delightful Advent song changes keys three times within each verse! And it works.
Third Sunday of Advent Communion Antiphon Say to the Faint of Heart (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #11
From the prophet Isaiah: “Be strong and do not fear! Behold, our God will come.”
Communion Chant Ready the Way (Curtis Stephan)
Spirit & Song #142; Never Too Young #147; Breaking Bread 2026 #53
Something about this Advent song! I taught it to the 2nd graders in my parish school. The kids practically leap up at the octave jump in the verses!
Sending Forth To You, O God, I Lift Up My Soul (Bob Hurd)
Spirit & Song #138; Never Too Young #123; Breaking Bread 2026 #430
Based on Psalm 25 (an Advent psalm!), this upbeat song has been a favorite of youth choirs since its release in 1992.
Liturgy Blog is a weekly liturgy planning resource for musicians, liturgists, homilists, youth groups, faith sharing groups, and all who look to the liturgical readings for inspiration and nourishment. Join Ken Canedo as he breaks open the Scripture and suggests tracks from the Spirit & Song contemporary repertoire.
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