The third week of Advent brings a burst of color and gladness. This is Gaudete Sunday, when the rose candle is lit, the priest may wear rose vestments, and the whole Church is told to rejoice, because Christmas is near. Here is what the third week of Advent means, why its candle is pink, and how to live it well.
The third week of Advent: Gaudete Sunday and joy
The Third Sunday of Advent has a special name: Gaudete Sunday. "Gaudete" is Latin for "rejoice," taken from the day's opening words at Mass, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice" (Philippians 4:4). We have passed the midpoint of Advent. Our preparation is more than half over, and the joy of Christmas is coming into view.
To mark the change, the mood of the season lifts. This is the one Sunday of Advent when the priest may set aside violet vestments for rose, a visible sign of joy breaking through a season of quiet waiting.
The Shepherd's Candle
The third candle is the only one that isn't purple. It is rose, or pink, and it is often called the Shepherd's Candle, or simply the Joy Candle. It recalls the shepherds who were the first to hear the news of Christ's birth: "I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people" (Luke 2:10). Why pink? Because on this day the reverent, penitential purple gives way for a moment to the bright color of rejoicing.
What is Christian joy?
Christian joy is deeper than happiness, and steadier than holiday cheer. It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, and it does not depend on everything going our way. It rests on one unshakeable fact: God is with us, and our salvation is near. That is why St. Paul could tell us to "rejoice always," even from a prison cell.
The joy of Gaudete Sunday is the joy of a family that knows a loved one is almost home. Christ is coming, and nothing the world throws at us can take that gladness away.
How to live the third week of Advent
- Light the rose candle and rejoice. Let this be the week your Advent turns joyful.
- Count your blessings. Gratitude is the doorway to joy. Name a few gifts each day this week.
- Share the joy. Reach out to someone who is lonely or grieving this season, and bring them a little of it.
- Rest in the nearness of Christmas. Slow down enough to actually feel the joy of what is coming.
A prayer for lighting the rose candle
Lord God, we light the rose candle of joy, for the day of our salvation draws near. Fill our hearts with the joy that only Christ can give, and help us to carry it to everyone we meet. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the third Advent candle pink?
The rose (pink) candle marks Gaudete Sunday, the Third Sunday of Advent. Its bright color signals joy, a sign that the season is more than half over and Christmas is near.
What is Gaudete Sunday?
The Third Sunday of Advent. "Gaudete" means "rejoice," from the entrance antiphon "Rejoice in the Lord always" (Philippians 4:4). The priest may wear rose vestments and the rose candle is lit.
What does the third Advent candle mean?
It stands for joy. Also called the Shepherd's Candle, it recalls the shepherds who received the good news of great joy at Christ's birth.
What is the theme of the third week of Advent?
Joy, the deep gladness that comes from knowing our Savior is near.
The four weeks of Advent
- Week One: Hope – The Prophet's Candle
- Week Two: Peace – The Bethlehem Candle
- Week Three: Joy – The Shepherd's Candle (you are here)
- Week Four: Love – The Angel's Candle
Advent items for the season
|
|
|
Shop the full Advent Collection »
