Third Sunday of Advent
The Common Worship lectionary readings for Third Sunday of Advent in Year C, the liturgical colour, and what changes in the order of service.
Year CAdventpurple
The readings
- First reading
- Zephaniah 3:14-20
- Psalm
- Isaiah 12:2-6
- Second reading
- Philippians 4:4-7
- Gospel
- Luke 3:7-18
Citations follow the Revised Common Lectionary as used in the Church of England's Common Worship principal service lectionary. Verse numbering can differ very slightly between Bible translations.
The liturgical colour
Purple marks the two preparatory seasons, Advent and Lent: penitence, restraint, waiting. On this Sunday the colour is purple.
What changes in the service
The Gloria in Excelsis is omitted through Advent and restored at Christmas.
In SundayHQ this is the advent template shape. You set your order of service once; when the season turns, one click applies the seasonal change and leaves the rest of your parish's own wording alone.
Hymns that fit these readings
Suggestions matched to the readings above, each with the reason it was chosen:
- Opening — Hills of the north, rejoice Strong Advent opening, looking to the nations
- Gradual — Hark! a thrilling voice is sounding 'What then should we do?' — John's demanding good news
- Offertory — Hail to the Lord's anointed The Advent king who judges for the poor
- Communion — Let all mortal flesh keep silence Advent stillness; Christ coming to his own table
- Final — Lo, he comes with clouds descending Sends them out looking for the second coming
When it next falls
| Date | Liturgical year |
|---|---|
| 12 December 2027 | Year C |
| 15 December 2030 | Year C |
| 11 December 2033 | Year C |
| 14 December 2036 | Year C |
Year C comes round every three years. The date moves because the whole calendar hangs off Easter.
The same Sunday in the other years
Questions
What are the readings for Third Sunday of Advent in Year C?
First reading Zephaniah 3:14-20; Psalm Isaiah 12:2-6; second reading Philippians 4:4-7; Gospel Luke 3:7-18.
What colour is worn on Third Sunday of Advent?
Purple. Purple marks the two preparatory seasons, Advent and Lent: penitence, restraint, waiting.
Which season is Third Sunday of Advent in?
Advent. Four Sundays of preparation before Christmas. Purple, the Gloria rested, and a lighter hand on the whole service.