The Third Sunday of Advent, also known as "Gaudete Sunday" (from the Latin gaudete, meaning "rejoice"), is a special moment in the Advent cycle. On this day, the third candle in the wreath, which is often pink, is lit, marking a joyful break in spiritual preparation. This candle is the Joy Candle. It symbolises the deep and lasting joy that the birth of Jesus brings to believers and to humanity as a whole. While the first two candles led us to reflect on hope and peace, the Third Sunday of Advent invites us to celebrate the joy of waiting and to savour the signs of the approaching light.
The meaning of joy in Advent
In the context of Advent, joy represents a state of bliss and gratitude for the promise of Christmas. It is not simply a passing emotion, but a deep, spiritual joy that flows from faith and hope. The birth of Jesus, announced as an event of liberation and salvation for believers, is a source of joy and gratitude for Christians. It is a reminder that, even in the midst of expectation and uncertainty, God's light is already present.
The pink colour of the candle is symbolic: it marks a pause within the purple tones of the wreath, which evoke penitence and reflection. This pink light indicates that the preparation is almost complete, that joy is at hand, and that Christmas is approaching. Lighting this third candle is an act of celebration, a moment when we can express the joy of expectation and rejoice together.
Gaudete Sunday: an invitation to rejoice
Gaudete Sunday is a call to rejoice, even in expectation and preparation. This joy is a celebration of God's love, manifested in the birth of Christ. It reminds us that faith is also a source of happiness and that God wants people to find joy in their relationship with him. In this sense, the Third Sunday of Advent is an encouragement to open our hearts to this divine joy and to share this enthusiasm with others.
The joy of Advent is contagious; it invites every believer to be a bringer of happiness to those around them. At this time of year, it is recommended that we think about the moments of grace and the small blessings that brighten our lives, even in difficult times. It is a joy imbued with gratitude, because it recognises God's presence in everyday life and the fulfilment of his promise.
Joy as a source of comfort
The Candle of Joy lit on this Third Sunday also represents comfort for those going through difficulties. It is a reminder that the Christian faith, and more broadly spirituality, offers a refuge of happiness, even in the face of trials. The words of the Gospels, the angels' announcement of Christ's birth, and the promises of Advent all carry a message of encouragement and consolation.
The message of the Third Sunday of Advent reminds us that true joy transcends life's circumstances. It is based on the certainty that light will come, even in the midst of dark times. That's why the pink candle is a sign of the joy that overcomes obstacles and persists, no matter what the difficulties. It invites us to share this joy with those in pain, to become messengers of peace and happiness to those in need.
Joy as a commitment to sharing
The joy of Advent is an invitation to be open to others. This third Sunday is often marked by acts of charity, initiatives to share, and gestures of kindness. True joy grows when it is shared, and becomes a means of creating bonds, strengthening friendships and bringing families closer together. By living this spirit of sharing, every believer helps to spread the light of Christmas and fill the world with kindness and generosity.
During this period, many families and communities engage in charitable activities: distributing meals, collecting clothes, visiting people who are isolated or in difficulty. These gestures embody the spirit of Christmas, bringing warmth and joy to those in need. Sharing joy is thus giving meaning to this period of waiting and living the Advent message to the full.
A time to prepare our hearts
This third Sunday of Advent is also a reminder to prepare our hearts to receive the joy of Christmas. This involves moments of silence and contemplation, where each of us can recognise the sources of happiness in our lives and give thanks for the blessings we have received. It's a time of gratitude, when we can express our love for life, for others, and for God's promise.Preparing for Christmas is not just material; it's also spiritual. Believers are invited to make room in their hearts for this true joy, to detach themselves from superficial concerns and refocus on what is essential. The joy of Advent teaches us to see beauty in simplicity, to appreciate moments of exchange, sharing and kindness.
The Third Sunday of Advent, marked by the Candle of Joy, is a celebration of the approaching light and the peace that settles in hearts. This special day reminds us that faith is a source of happiness and that joy is a precious gift to be cherished and shared. By lighting this candle, believers express their gratitude and happiness at the idea of soon celebrating the birth of Christ. This third Sunday is an essential stage of Advent, preparing everyone to welcome Christmas with a joyful heart, open and filled with love for others. It's an invitation to live this time of year to the full, to sow joy and spread the Christmas spirit around us.
