The Advent season, leading up to Christmas, is a time of anticipation, reflection, and preparation for the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth. Many Christian traditions mark this period with various rituals and symbols, one of which is the Advent wreath. The Advent wreath, typically adorned with four candles, represents the four weeks of Advent. Each candle holds a unique significance, and the third Advent candle, in particular, carries profound meaning and symbolism.
Understanding Advent and the Advent Wreath
Advent: A Time of Waiting
Advent, derived from the Latin word “adventus,” meaning “coming,” is a Christian liturgical season that begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and concludes on Christmas Day. This season is characterized by a spirit of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus Christ.
The Advent Wreath: A Symbol of Hope
An Advent wreath is a circular garland made of evergreen branches, symbolizing eternal life and the ongoing presence of God. It typically contains four candles, one for each Sunday of Advent. Three of these candles are purple, representing the royal color associated with penitence and sacrifice. The fourth candle, lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, is white or pink, symbolizing joy and the triumph of Christ’s birth.
The Significance of the 3rd Advent Candle
Gaudete Sunday: A Call to Rejoice
The third Sunday of Advent is known as Gaudete Sunday, derived from the Latin word “gaudete,” meaning “rejoice.” This name reflects the joyful and hopeful message conveyed by lighting the third Advent candle. On this day, the pink or rose-colored candle is lit, standing out against the other purple candles, signifying a break in the penitential tone of Advent and a shift towards joy and celebration.
Scriptural Roots: Philippians and Psalms
The lighting of the third Advent candle is often accompanied by readings from the Bible that echo its joyful message. A passage often quoted is from Philippians 4:4-6, which reads:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
This passage encourages believers to find joy in their faith and to trust in God’s nearness, even in times of uncertainty and challenge. It serves as a reminder that even though Advent is a time of preparation and waiting, it is also a time to celebrate the hope and promise of Christ’s coming.
Additionally, Psalm 85 (84 in some translations) is often referenced, which speaks of the Lord’s blessings and the turning away of captivity, further emphasizing themes of hope, redemption, and joy.
Symbolism of the Pink Candle
The pink or rose-colored candle signifies joy and the beginning of the celebration of Christ’s birth. It stands as a contrast to the purple candles, which represent penitence and sorrow. The lighting of this candle on Gaudete Sunday invites believers to pause in their spiritual journey and lift their eyes to see the joy approaching, a preview of the celebration that will culminate on Christmas Day.
The pink candle is also a symbol of hope and the promise of joy emerging from mourning. It represents the assurance that, even in the midst of life’s difficulties, there is a reason to rejoice because the Lord is near and His love and salvation are within reach.
Cultural Practices and Traditions
Beyond its scriptural and symbolic meanings, the lighting of the third Advent candle is often celebrated with various cultural practices and traditions. Families may gather to sing hymns and carols that reflect the joyful message of Gaudete Sunday. They may also participate in Advent activities, such as reading the story of Jesus’ birth from the Gospel of Luke, creating Advent calendars, or engaging in acts of kindness and service to others.
In some churches, the lighting of the third Advent candle is accompanied by a special sermon or message that focuses on the themes of joy, hope, and trust in God’s promises. These gatherings provide opportunities for believers to connect with each other and deepen their faith during this special time of year.
Conclusion
The third Advent candle is a powerful symbol of hope, joy, and the promise of Christ’s birth. By lighting this candle on Gaudete Sunday, believers are reminded to find joy in their faith, even in times of waiting and uncertainty. The pink or rose-colored candle stands as a contrast to the penitential tone of the first two weeks of Advent, inviting us to pause and celebrate the good news of God’s love and salvation.
As we continue our spiritual journey through Advent, let us embrace the message of the third Advent candle and allow it to guide us towards a deeper understanding of God’s love and a more joyful celebration of Christmas. May we find joy in every moment, trust in God’s promises, and rejoice in the knowledge that the Lord is near.
Related Topics:
