The Third Week of Advent: Understanding Joy (Gaudete Sunday)
The Third Week of Advent (Advent Week 3) turns our hearts toward joy—not the temporary happiness the world offers, but the deep, steady joy that comes from knowing that Christ is near.
This week is marked by the rose candle, traditionally lit on Gaudete Sunday, a day that calls us to rejoice even before the long Advent journey is complete.
Why? Because God is already at work in our lives.
Because Christ is coming.
Because His light is strong enough to break through every darkness.
Joy in Advent is not denial of hardship.
It is a spiritual strength—a quiet confidence—that flows from God’s presence even in the middle of uncertainty.
As Scripture says:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” — Philippians 4:4
And also:
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” — Nehemiah 8:10
This is the joy Advent invites us to rediscover:
A joy rooted in hope, trust, and God’s faithful love.
⭐ A True Advent Story of Joy: Mother Teresa and the Home for the Dying in Calcutta
In 1952, Mother Teresa opened Nirmal Hriday, a home for the dying, in Calcutta. There, she and the Missionaries of Charity welcomed people who had been found on the streets, sick and alone, so that they could die with dignity and know that someone cared for them.
It was hard, humble work. Yet those who knew her and her sisters often spoke of the joy that marked their service. Mother Teresa taught that this joy was not a mood or a reward for easy days. It was a fruit of loving Christ in the poor, one person at a time.
She is remembered for saying:
“Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls.”
This is the message of Gaudete Sunday:
- Joy is not the absence of suffering.
- Joy comes from knowing you are loved by God.
- Joy grows when we give ourselves in love to others.
Joy is Christ’s light shining in the darkest places.
⭐ What Does Joy Mean in Advent?
In this sacred season, joy means:
- trusting God even when life feels overwhelming,
- celebrating His presence in small and hidden moments,
- recognizing blessings that often go unnoticed,
- allowing Christ’s light to lift our hearts,
- remembering that God is working even when we cannot see it.
True Christian joy is not fragile.
It does not break under pressure.
It grows deeper when placed in God’s hands.
⭐ The Rose Candle: Symbol of Joy and Hope
In many Advent traditions, the rose candle is a sign of:
- the joy of Mary as she waited for the birth of Jesus,
- the joy of God drawing near to His people,
- the hope that shines even before the dawn comes,
- the light of Christ breaking into a weary world.
The rose candle is a custom, not a requirement, and the colors and names given to each week vary from one parish or family to another. Follow what your own community uses.
Lighting this candle can be a prayer in itself.
It says:
“Lord, awaken joy within me.
Renew my hope.
Help me rejoice in Your presence.”
⭐ How to Find Joy in the Midst of Struggle
This week, God invites you to:
- notice one blessing each day,
- thank Him for the small, ordinary gifts,
- smile at someone who needs encouragement,
- offer a simple act of kindness,
- celebrate God’s presence in your home,
- rejoice not because life is perfect, but because God is near.
The smallest light of joy can guide you through the week.
Continue Your Advent Journey
If you have been walking through Advent with hope and peace, this week invites you to rejoice as you prepare for the coming of Christ.
Keep building your Advent journey, step by step:
- Begin again with the First Week of Advent (Hope)
- Reflect deeply with the Second Week of Advent (Peace)
- Prepare your heart for the Fourth Week of Advent (Love)
- Understand the whole season: What Is Advent?
Each step brings you closer to the joy Christ desires for your life.
1. Prayer for the Third Week of Advent (Joy)
Heavenly Father,
as we enter the Third Week of Advent,
fill my heart with holy joy.
Lift my spirit,
lighten my burdens,
and let my soul rejoice in Your faithful love.
Lord Jesus,
You are my Joy and my Salvation.
Come into my heart this week,
shine in my life,
and renew the hope and gladness
that only Your presence can bring.
Holy Spirit,
kindle in me a joy that endures—
a joy stronger than worry,
deeper than sorrow,
and alive even in moments of struggle.
Help me reflect Your light and goodness to others.
O Mary, Cause of Our Joy,
walk with me during this Advent season.
Teach me to rejoice in God’s promises,
to celebrate His mercy,
and to welcome Jesus with a heart full of gratitude.
Amen.
🕯️ 2. Reflection for the Third Week of Advent
The Third Week of Advent celebrates joy—not surface-level happiness, but a profound spiritual joy that comes from knowing Christ is near.
Joy means:
- trusting God even when life feels heavy,
- celebrating His presence in small moments,
- recognizing blessings that often go unnoticed,
- and letting Christ’s light lift our hearts.
Gaudete Sunday invites us to rejoice because the Lord is close, and His love transforms everything.
🌿 3. How to Pray This Week of Advent
Here’s a simple way to live this week of joy:
- Light the rose candle of your Advent wreath.
- Pray the Third Week of Advent prayer each morning or evening.
- Notice one blessing each day and thank God for it.
- Offer a small act of kindness that brings joy to someone else.
- End the week by rejoicing in the ways God has been present to you.
Even a small spark of joy can brighten your path.
🙏 Short Closing Prayer
Come, Lord Jesus.
Fill my heart with joy
as I continue this Advent journey with You.
Amen.
🌟 Come, Lord Jesus.
Bless this Advent week with hope, peace, joy, and love.
🔗 Related Advent Devotions
- What Is Advent? Meaning, the Four Weeks and How We Live It
- First Week of Advent Prayer
- Second Week of Advent Prayer
- Fourth Week of Advent Prayer
📌 Share This Devotion
If this prayer blessed your Advent journey, share it with someone who needs hope, peace, joy, or love:
Save This Prayer on Pinterest
Frequently Asked Questions
Gaudete Sunday, the Third Sunday of Advent, is December 13, 2026. The third week of Advent runs through Saturday, December 19.
Gaudete is Latin for Rejoice. It comes from the opening words of the Mass for the Third Sunday of Advent, taken from Philippians 4:4: Rejoice in the Lord always. The Church allows rose vestments on this day as a sign of joy.
Many Advent wreaths use a rose candle for the Third Sunday, matching the rose vestments of Gaudete Sunday. It is a custom, and the colors and names given to each week vary, so follow what your parish or family uses.
Light the candles of the wreath, pray the prayer on this page each morning or evening, name one blessing each day, and share a small act of kindness with someone who needs encouragement.
