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Gaudete Sunday and World Choral Day

Gaudete Sunday is also called Joy Sunday. There’s a lot to be joyous about when you have a chance to attend a choral performance!

Gaudete Sunday

Gaudete means Joy or Rejoice in Latin. In the Advent wreath, there is a rose colored candle that is in some cases labeled Joy. Today is the day that candle is lit. The third Sunday of Advent is a big turning point and Christmas is coming fast. Take some time to make a joyous noise and celebrate the season. The translation of the Gaudete carol linked above is as follows: Rejoice, rejoice! Christ is born (Out) Of the Virgin Mary – rejoice! The time of grace has come— what we have wished for, songs of joy Let us give back faithfully. God has become man, (With) nature marveling, The world has been renewed By Christ (who is) reigning. The closed gate of Ezekiel Is passed through, Whence the light is raised, Salvation is found. Therefore let our preaching Now sing in brightness Let it give praise to the Lord: Greeting to our King.

World Choral Day

World Choral Day is an international event in which choirs the world over hold concerts to celebrate the values of solidarity, peace and understanding. Certainly, the world needs a lot more of that. Alberto Grau of the Latin American Vice-Presidency of the International Federation for Choral Music, proposed World Choral Day. It was approved by the General Assembly of IFCM held in Helsinki in August, 1990, within the framework of the 2nd World Symposium on Choral Music.

Choral music such as a performance of Handel’s Messiah is a wonderful part of the holiday season. Music has the power to bring us all together as a worldwide family of humanity. Even if you don’t do something formal, hum some Christmas carols throughout the day. You’ll find that music lifts your spirits and makes the world a brighter place.