As we enter the third week of Advent, we come to a special moment in the season’s journey - marked by the lighting of the pink candle, known as the “Shepherd’s Candle.”
This candle, symbolising joy, stands out from the others with its rosy hue, a colour of celebration and anticipation.
This Sunday is called Gaudete Sunday, a day that invites us to pause and reflect on the joy that greeted the birth of Jesus. The word “Gaudete” itself means “rejoice,” and the scriptural readings of the week, particularly Philippians 4:4-5, encourage us to “Rejoice in the Lord always.” As we draw closer to Christmas, this midpoint of Advent reminds us that the coming of Christ is near.
The joy of this week goes beyond the happiness we might find in our festive preparations or the warmth of being with loved ones. It’s a joy that springs from the deep well of our faith, a joy rooted in the knowledge that God’s promise of salvation has come to life in the birth of Jesus. This is the same joy that filled the shepherds’ hearts when they heard the angel’s announcement, a joy that still reaches us today.
In our busy lives and the many distractions that surround us, Gaudete Sunday calls us to rediscover this pure and lasting joy. It’s a joy that doesn’t fade with the season but remains with us throughout the year, reminding us of the eternal hope we have in Christ.
As we light the pink candle this week, let us carry that joy with us, not only through the rest of Advent but into the world, sharing it with those around us.
Lord our God, we praise you for your Son, Jesus Christ:
He is Emmanuel, the hope of the peoples.
He is the wisdom that teaches and guides us.
He is the Saviour of every nation. Lord God,
let your blessing come upon us as we light the candles of this wreath.
May the wreath and its light
be a sign of Christ’s promise
to bring us salvation.
May he come quickly and not delay.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Comments