Gaudete is a special Sunday in Advent when the readings have a lighter tone in the middle of what is a Penitential Season. This is the third Sunday in Advent when a rose or pink candle is lit on the Advent wreath. The color change reminds us that Christmas is near. We only need to wait a bit longer and our Alleluia will resound once again. Lent is also a Penitential Season of the church year. Laetare is on the fourth Sunday in Lent