As we journey through the Advent season, this week welcomes a change in hue as we light the third candle. The third candle is pink and symbolises joy. It is called the “Shepard’s Candle” and is pink because rose is a liturgical colour for joy.
The third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday and is meant to remind us of the joy that the world experienced at the birth of Jesus, as well as the joy that the faithful have reached the midpoint of Advent.
In this third week of Advent, the scriptural focus aligns with the verses from Philippians 4:4-5, urging us to embrace the spirit of rejoicing as we acknowledge that "the Lord is near."
Amidst the bustling preparations and festive spirit, the essence of this week invites us to ponder the joyous revelation of Jesus’ birth—a celebration that transcends the mundane and offers profound joy during the Christmas season.
As we're reminded during this week of reflection, true joy emanates from a deeper wellspring—our knowledge of Christ. It is the same joy that once surged through the shepherds' hearts, echoed by the celestial beings, and danced within the souls of the wise men, the heavenly hosts, Mary and Joseph. This joy is a timeless, boundless source, igniting a sense of pure and lasting rejoicing.
In a world brimming with distractions and amidst the diverse landscapes of our lives, this week serves as a reminder that true and lasting joy isn’t confined to the ephemeral, but rather, it radiates from the profound connection we share with the eternal source of joy - Jesus Christ.
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Header image: Kalisa Veer