We Light a Candle of Joy, Gaudete - the Third Sunday of Advent
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- 8 hours ago
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We have a favourite hymn at Mildmay we sing during our lunchtime service, accompanied by the guitar and lots of noisy instruments - Joy!
It is called, “I woke up this morning with joy in my heart”, This hymn is sung over and over again by many vulnerable people who have been challenged and battered by whatever life has thrown at them.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice!”
Philippians 4:4–5
Joy is not the absence of pain; it is the presence of God in the midst of it. For many who have been battered by life, joy arrives as tenderness, shared laughter, and moments of beauty. Lighting the pink candle, we rejoice in a God who meets us where we are and lifts our hearts.
The Advent wreath
The Advent wreath is made from evergreen leaves which stand for eternity, God’s eternal love for us. The circular shape of the wreath, a circle without beginning or end, stands for eternity, also.
The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent. Purple is the liturgical colour of Advent and pink is a special colour that may be used on the 3rd Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete (rejoice) Sunday. ‘Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice!’ (Philippians 4:4-5)). A fifth white candle may be added in the centre of the wreath. It is lit on Christmas Eve to mark the coming of Christ the Light.
The meaning of Advent
Advent is the Christian countdown to Christmas, shaped by four Sundays, each with a distinct theme and candle on the wreath. It’s both reflective and practical: a season to realign values, deepen compassion, and ready home and community for the feast.
Week by week
Week 1: Hope (Prophecy): The first candle, often called the Prophet’s candle, points to the promise of a coming light in dark times. Readings emphasise watchfulness and the long arc of justice.
Week 2: Peace (Bethlehem): The second candle recalls the journey to Bethlehem. It invites humility, making room for others, and setting aside contention—peace begins at the threshold.
Week 3: Joy (Gaudete): The rose candle breaks in mid-season with rejoicing. Joy here isn’t denial of hardship; it’s resilience, community, and gratitude blossoming despite it.
Week 4: Love (Shepherds): The final candle focuses on love embodied—hospitality, care for the marginalised, and readiness to welcome. It gathers the season’s practices into a tender, active attentiveness.
Readings and practice
Wreath and candles: Each week adds light, symbolising hope growing toward Christmas.
Readings and music: Scriptures and hymns evolve from longing to celebration, guiding prayer and community action.
Customs in the UK: Services, carols, charity drives, and quiet preparation at home - many churches shape Advent around local needs, from food banks to winter shelters.
Purpose
Advent is a four-part rhythm to cultivate hope, peace, joy, and love in tangible ways - checking on neighbours, committing to justice, giving generously, and making space for grace. As the candles brighten, the season invites us to brighten the world.
Cover image: Photo by KaLisa Veer on Unsplash
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