[Greek] ἀγαλλιάω (agalliaō), [Latin] exultare, [Latin] guadere:

[Greek] ἀγαλλιάω (agalliaō), [Latin] exultare, [Latin] guadere: to make glorious, to exult, to rejoice greatly, to jump for joy, to be exceedingly glad, to be extremely joyful; Mt.5:12, Lk.1:47, Lk.10:21, Jn.5:35, Jn.8:56, Acts 2:26, Acts 16:34, 1Pet.1:6,8, 1Pet.4:13, Rev. 19:7

Background information:

Greek Hellenism: This term means to rejoice exceedingly, to have a joyful pride, and to show celebration of a god. Herodotus’ The Histories 1.143 states “Now the Athenians and the rest would not be called Ionians, but spurned the name, but the twelve cities gloried in this name, and founded a holy place for themselves.” Xenophon’s Economics 21.5 states “What effect has he on them? They are ashamed to do a disgraceful act, think it better to obey, and to take pride in obedience, working cheerfully, every man, all together, when it is necessary to work.” Aristophanes’ Thesmophoriazusae 128 state “Honor to the powerful Phoebus! Hail blessed son of Leto.”

Old Testament: This term means to rejoice, to exult, to praise, to be cheerful, to recall, and to boast. These terms frequently occur in the Psalms and the poetic parts of prophecy scripture. They make reference to man celebrating and extolling the help and acts of God shown to the person or community.

Then I will declare all your praises, sing joyously of your salvation (Psa.9:15). May they ever say, ‘Exalted be the Lord who delights in the peace of his loyal servant (Psa.35:27). Shout with exultation, O city of Zion (Isa.12:6). Then all who take refuge in you will be glad and forever shout for joy (Psa.5:12). In the vineyards there is not singing, not shout for joy (Isa.16:10). East and west make resound with joy (Psa.65:9). My soul yearns and pines for the courts of the Lord (Psa.84:3).

New Testament: This term, meaning to rejoice (or be extremely joyful), is used in various ways. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says those, who are persecuted for righteousness, the kingdom of heaven is theirs. Peter expands on this notion in saying to rejoice if you must endure suffering. You will receive your eternal reward. Mary rejoices in God her savior. Jesus praises the Father. The people rejoice in John the Baptist, who prepares the way for Jesus. Abraham rejoices at the promises of the God’s blessings (Isaac’s birth). David sings his praises through the Psalms.

Scripture:

“My spirit rejoices in God my savior.” Lk.1:47

Mary rejoices in her humbleness in what God has done for her.

“Abraham your father rejoiced to see my day; he saw it and was glad.” Jn.8:56

Abraham rejoiced from receiving promises God. Isaac is born. Abraham becomes the father of faith of later generations.

“In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials…Although you have not seen Him, you love Him; even though you do not see Him now yet believe in Him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy.” 1Pet.1:6-8

1Pet. states some of us may have to endure trials for a little while. One’s faith, though tested by fire, will be praiseworthy and a blessing in the “eyes” of God.  Just as Jesus endured trials and suffering, some are called to share in His sufferings and redemption. Trust plays an important role in these sufferings. We can be joyful that these trials will serve in part to the glory of God. Our trials can be efficacious, if we offer up these sufferings to God.

Conclusion:

Gaudete, exult, exultation

In the Greek Hellenistic era, it is perhaps not surprising that this term is used in celebrating a god. This term is also used in praising and being cheerful.

In the Old Testament, this term is used extensively in man praising God for what He has done for him and the community.

In the New Testament, this term is used in various ways. Those, who are persecuted in His name, will receive the blessings of heaven. Mary rejoices in what God has done for her. Mary provides a great example for all of us in being humble and trusting. 1Pet points out that some are called to endure struggles (persecution) or share in the sufferings of Jesus for the glory of God. For many, this is very difficult to do. Trust is often needed in acceptance of these trials.

I have and am continually going through struggles (in one form or another) in my life. Many times I feel like thinking, “God, why do you keep doing this to me!” As a result, I oftentimes have difficulty with trust.

Gaudete Sunday is the third Sunday of Advent when one rejoices in the nearness of Jesus’ birth.

Update: Corona virus (and variants): I had never realized how much 1Pet.1:6-8 relates to these recent events. As much as we can humanly see and comprehend, there is very little rejoicing now for those of us who have lost loved ones, who have been diagnosed with this virus, or who have been economically impacted. In the midst of our unceasing prayers to God, the question remains: “Why, God?” Only God knows why. Although this may provide small comfort for some, if we can step back a little (and perhaps see the bigger picture), we can rejoice in the fact that God will allow a greater good to come from all this. We are already praying more. We are being forced to slow down our busy lives. We are spending more time being with (and talking with) our families. We are reflecting on our own life (mortality). We are discovering who are the most important people in our lives. We are also re-evaluating what are the most important things in our lives. I think we can rejoice that God will provide a special place (blessing) for those who have died through no fault of their own. That is quite a blessing, something to think and rejoice about.

“For whenever anyone bears the pain of unjust suffering because of the consciousness of God, that is a grace…For to this you have been called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in His footsteps.” 1Pet.2:19,21