The third week of Advent is a special time in the Christian liturgical calendar, marked by a focus on joy. The traditional name for the third Sunday is Gaudete Sunday: Joyful Sunday. This we light the rose-colored candle on the Advent wreath, known as the “Shepherd’s Candle.” The Advent wreath consists of four candles arranged in a circle, with a fifth candle in the center. Each candle has its own meaning:
- First Candle (Hope): Also known as the “Prophet’s Candle,” symbolizes the hope and anticipation of the coming Messiah.
- Second Candle (Peace): Known as the “Bethlehem Candle,” the peace that Christ brings to the world.
- Third Candle (Joy): The “Shepherd’s Candle,” which is rose or pink, symbolizes joy.
- Fourth Candle (Love): The “Angel’s Candle,” represents the love of God.
- Fifth Candle (Christ Candle): Often white, is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to signify the birth of Jesus.
The third week of Advent is a time of rejoicing. “Gaudete” is derived from the Latin word for “rejoice.” This week marks a shift from the more penitential tone of the previous weeks to one of celebration and joy. The pink candle is lit to signify this change, standing out against the purple candles used in the other weeks. The pink candle’s color is significant. While purple is associated with penance and preparation, pink represents a lightening of the mood. It is a symbol of joy and celebration, reflecting the joy that comes with the nearing of Christ’s birth. This tradition is rooted in the history of the church, where the third Sunday of Advent was a break from fasting and penance, a moment to rejoice in the promise of the coming Savior.
The third candle is also known as the “Shepherd’s Candle,” highlighting the role of the shepherds in the Nativity story. According to the Gospel of Luke, the shepherds were the first to receive the news of Jesus’ birth. An angel appeared to them, bringing “good news of great joy” (Luke 2:10). The shepherds’ immediate response was one of joy and eagerness to see the newborn Messiah. This beloved moment in the Nativity story highlights the theme of joy that flows throughout the third week of Advent
In the Christian tradition, joy is more than just a fleeting emotion; it is a deep-seated sense of happiness and contentment that comes from knowing and experiencing God’s love and salvation. This joy does not depend on external circumstances, but is rooted in the assurance of God’s promises and the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ. The shepherds play a crucial role in the Advent narrative. Their joy and eagerness to see Jesus serve as a model for how Christians should respond to the news of Christ’s birth. The shepherds’ story reminds believers that the message of Jesus is one of joy for all people, regardless of their status or background.
The third week of Advent is a time to rejoice in the coming of Jesus Christ. The pink candle, the Shepherd’s Candle, symbolizes the joy that comes from the good news of the Savior’s birth. This joy is a central theme of the Christian faith, rooted in the assurance of God’s love and the hope of eternal life. As we light the pink candle and reflect on the shepherds’ joy, we are reminded to embrace and share this joy with others, celebrating the true meaning of Christmas.