A Season of Rejoicing

This Sunday will be the Third Sunday of Advent and it is called "Gaudete" Sunday, or Rejoice Sunday. If we notice the color of the liturgical vestments for this Sunday's Mass, we can see that instead of purple or violet, the Presider and the deacon use rose or pink (The pope in the photo dons the rose vestments). We also notice that the third candle in our advent wreath (colored pink or rose) is also lit today. Why then do we change the liturgical color and why do we call this Sunday "Gaudete?"
We are reminded by the Church to truly rejoice for the season of Advent is indeed a joyful season. The real reason for this joy is the fulfillment of the prophecy of the Prophet for the chosen people: "Rejoice O Israel, for unto you shall come Emmanuel." Indeed we rejoice for God has come among us! As the Gospel passage for today's liturgy points out, rejoicing is possible for the reign of God has come among us -- the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.; in short, Salvation is at hand!
Indeed, let us rejoice! Let us rejoice in the truth that the Messiah is coming, and let our fervent prayer be: Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.