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Gaudēte, gaudēte!
Chrīstus est nātus
Ex Marīā virgine,
gaudēte!
Rejoice,
rejoice!
Christ is born
Of the Virgin Mary –
Rejoice!
"Gaudete," an ancient and sacred Christmas carol, was composed in the 16th century and first published in Piae Cantiones, a collection of sacred Latin songs. Its title, “Gaudete,” translates to “Rejoice,” echoing the theme of joy that marks the third Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete Sunday.
The hymn proclaims the fulfillment of God’s promises: “Christus est natus ex Maria virgine” (“Christ is born of the Virgin Mary”). We read in Philippians 4:4-5: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” We are called to prepare our hearts and share in heaven and earth’s jubilation that salvation is near as God’s redemption plan unfolds. The angelic proclamation found in Luke 2:10-11, bringing “good news of great joy” to all people, is reflected in the words of the hymn.
Singing "Gaudete" during Advent reminds us to pause and rejoice in the anticipation of the season. It encourages us to focus on the joy of God’s presence in our lives and prepare our hearts to celebrate Christ’s birth.
Sources:
- "What is 'Gaudete' Mean and Why Are the Lyrics Important to Advent?" Christianity.com (https://www.christianity.com/wiki/holidays/why-churches-sing-gaudete-christmas.html).
- "Gaudete: What are the lyrics to the 16th-century Latin Christmas carol?" Classic FM(https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/occasions/christmas/gaudete-lyrics-latin-carol/).
- "Gaudete," Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaudete).
