Christians traditionally sing the Gaudete on Gaudete Sunday, the third of the four Sundays of Advent before Christmas. But why?
What Is Gaudete Sunday?
Gaudete Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent, is part of the liturgical calendar of Western Christianity, observed by Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, and other denominations.
The word Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, which means "coming").
On Gaudete Sunday, parishioners and congregants are encouraged to celebrate the joyful anticipation of Christ's coming.
The Advent tradition of singing the Gaudette song is believed to have originated in the Roman Catholic Church in the fourth century. The traditional tune of the Gaudette was sung as part of the winter solstice in earlier history.
Traditional Advent wreaths display candles, which Christians light each week. An Advent wreath lies flat on a solid surface with pine boughs supporting three purple candles and the distinct, pink Gaudete Sunday candle, also known as the Shepherd's Candle, referring to the angel's announcement of Christ's birth to the shepherds in the gospel. Lighting a candle and doing a short devotional at the beginning of a worship service or at home acknowledges four blessings of the Advent season: hope, peace, joy, and love. The pink candle lit on the third Sunday of Advent represents the great joy of Christ's approaching birth.
What Does Gaudete Mean?
The word Gaudete comes from the Latin word for "rejoice." The prophecy that God's son would come to earth to redeem humanity is finally coming true, and His people rejoice. Gaudete Sunday is a time to experience the excitement of Christmas, the most joyous time of the year for many people. Throughout the history of celebrating Christmas, the idea of spreading joy, peace, and goodwill has spread to the secular world in various ways—from giving gifts to baking cookies. At its core, though, Christmas celebrates Christ's birth. Christ is reborn in our hearts each Christmas.
When Was the Gaudete Written?
The sacred Christmas carol titled "Gaudete" was published in 1582 in Piae Cantiones, a collection of Finnish and Swedish sacred songs.
Musicologists believe the Gaudete was sung at the winter solstice in the early Middle Ages. Franciscan clergy adapted a popular secular tune to illustrate the Bible account of Christ's coming. Common citizens, who did not fully understand Latin, grasped the song's meaning because the lyrics were a mix of Latin and their own languages.
How Is the Gaudete Usually Performed?
In modern history, the best-known version of the Gaudete was released by the British folk-rock group Steeley Span in 1973. It reached number 14 on the top British hits chart; it is one of three songs in Latin ever to reach the top 50 in popularity.
The Steeley Span's version is sung a cappella, without instrumental accompaniment, another rare feature of a hit single. A dance troupe in medieval robes, holding candles, entered the stage before the band in the performance of Gaudete on the British program Top of the Pops.
The song has been recorded on many artists' Christmas albums and also on recordings of Latin and medieval songs. Artists varying from church choirs to rock banks have recorded versions true to form and in parodies.
A reviewer of Steeleye Span's recording of Gaudette wrote, "Commercialism has ruined Christmas forever, but the simplicity and brilliance of this song restores the magic I felt as a child. Christmas is in your heart." Several other reviewers praise the voice of lead singer Maddy Prior in the 1973 recording of the Gaudete, describing it as being as pure as a laser.
What Are the Traditional Lyrics of the Gaudete?
Here are the lyrics to the Gaudete in its original Latin and translated into modern English. Note that the four-line refrain is repeated between the two-line verses. This medieval song of praise begins and ends with the repeated couplet of the refrain.
The original song did not have a tune for the verses, only for the refrain. The tune of the verses was perhaps borrowed from a Czech medieval song—about the Virgin Mary and the miracle of God's arrival on earth in human form—titled 'Ezechielis Porta.'
Lyrics:
Refrain
Rejoice, rejoice Christ is born
Gaudete, gaudete Christos est natus
From the virgin Mary, rejoice.
Ex Maria virginae, gaudete.
Rejoice, rejoice Christ is born
Gaudete, gaudete Christos est natus
From the virgin Mary, rejoice.
Ex Maria virginae, gaudete.
This is the time of thanksgiving that we wished for.
Tempus ad est gratiae hoc quod optabamus,
We devoutly sing songs of joy.
Carmina laetitiae devote redamus.
Refrain
God became man, being nature,
Deus homo factus est naturam erante,
The world has been renewed by the reigning Christ.
Mundus renovatus est a Christo regnante.
Refrain
Ezekiel's gate was closed by the passerby
Ezecheelis porta clausa per transitor
Whence the light arose, the finder of pebbles.
Unde lux est orta sallus invenitor.
Refrain
Therefore, our congregation sings already in the twilight,
Ergo nostra contio psallat jam in lustro,
Bless the lord of the saddles for our king.
Benedicat domino sallas regi nostro.
Final Refrain
Two of these lyrics require some explanation. "Ezekiel's gate" refers to Ezekiel's vision of a closed gate, which some Bible scholars believe signifies how the glory of God once left the temple because of people's sins (Ezekiel 43:1-2 and Ezekiel 44:1-3).
The "finder of pebbles" refers to Jesus. The gate is reopened—"whence the light arose"—by "the finder of pebbles," Jesus Christ, who brings us back into the presence of God.
What Can We Learn from the Gaudete Today?
Singing or listening to the Gaudete brings our hearts and minds back to a simple and joyous time when the real meaning of Christmas was understood. It may make us realize—like Dr. Seuss's Whos in Whoville, singing without their presents and Christmas trim, that the joy of Christmas isn't tied up in ribbons, boxes, or bags.
The joy of Christmas and Advent comes from knowing Christ has come to earth to save a lost world. The real meaning of Christmas is God's enduring love for us and our ability to share that love with our friends, family, and strangers. It's a time for giving, not getting, though we all have a Christmas list in our minds or on paper. The Gaudete may inspire you to form a list of ways to bless others as God has blessed you.
God gave the weary shepherds "starry hosts"—brilliant flashes in the sky and angels announcing the wonderful news that a child was born to redeem us. The shepherd's hearts were filled with unspeakable joy and light on a cold night. Receive the same good news that the shepherds heard from the angels:
"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord" (Luke 2:10-11).
The Gaudete song and candle express this angelic joy of Christmas.
Further Reading:
The Powerful Meaning of 'Mary Did You Know'?
'Oh Holy Night' Lyrics: Bible Meaning and Author's Story
What Is the Story Behind 'Sweet Little Jesus Boy'?
'A Weary World Rejoices' Meaning
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/Angela Allen
This article is part of our larger Christmas and Advent resource library centered around the events leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ. We hope these articles help you understand the meaning and story behind important Christian holidays and dates and encourage you as you take time to reflect on all that God has done for us through His Son, Jesus Christ!
What Is Advent: Meaning, History, and Traditions
Advent Prayers for Friends, Family, and More
What Is an Advent Wreath and How to Use One?
The History of Santa Claus: Origin of St. Nicholas
Christmas Bible Verses & Scripture Story
What is Christmas? True Meaning and Holiday History
Christmas Eve History and Traditions
Why Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh?
When Was Jesus Born? Why December 25th
Where Was Jesus Born?
