Discover the meaning of the third Sunday of Advent. The rose candle of joy brings hope and light in winter’s darkness.
Third Advent Sunday – Light in the Midst of Winter
Advent is a season of waiting, silence, and the gradual kindling of light in the darkness. Tomorrow, December 14th, we will light the third candle on the Advent wreath—the candle of joy, traditionally called Gaudete. Its rose color symbolizes hope and relief in the midst of solemn Advent reflection. The third Sunday of Advent is a special moment. The darkness of winter begins to break. Joy is born in our hearts as Christmas approaches.
Advent as a Journey
The Advent season is not merely a countdown to Christmas Eve. It is a journey – both outward and inward. Outward, this journey appears through traditions, lights, the scent of cookies, and carols. Inward, it manifests as quiet reflection, searching for meaning, and remembering what is truly essential in life. Each Advent Sunday carries its own symbolic meaning. The first candle is hope. The second is faith. The third is joy. The fourth is peace.
The third Sunday of Advent is the moment when our waiting begins to be filled with joy. We are no longer at the beginning of the path, yet we have not reached the destination. We are in the middle – and this middle is often the most important. It reminds us that joy is not only the result but also part of the journey itself.
The Symbolism of the Third Candle
The rose candle on the Advent wreath is unique. In contrast to the other purple candles, it shines like a gentle smile. It is a beam of light piercing the winter darkness. It is the candle of joy. Even in times of reflection and penance, it reminds us there is room for lightness. Relief and gratitude also have their place.
The joy of the third Sunday of Advent is not loud or ostentatious. It is quiet and calm. It is like the joy we feel when we see the first snow. It is like hearing a familiar carol or smelling freshly baked cookies. It is joy born of small things. It teaches us that happiness is not a distant goal but a moment we can live right now.
Traditions and Joy
In many families, the third Sunday of Advent is tied to specific traditions. Some set up the nativity scene on this day. Others decorate the Christmas tree. Some bake the final batch of cookies. In churches, the Gospel about John the Baptist is read, preparing the way for the coming light.
The joy of the third Sunday of Advent is also the joy of community. Advent teaches us that waiting is easier when shared. The candle lit on the wreath is not only a personal symbol but also a sign for family, friends, and community. It reminds us that joy multiplies when shared with others.
Advent Joy in Today’s World
In today’s world, full of haste and pressure, Advent joy seem like a luxury. We often focus on lists of tasks – gifts, cleaning, preparations. We forget that Advent is not just about duties. It is also about pausing. The third Sunday of Advent invites us to rejoice in small things. Consider the aroma of mulled wine, the sight of lights in windows, or a moment of silence by the candle.
Joy may be the greatest gift we can give ourselves today. It is not superficial joy but deep joy – joy that we exist, that we can create, share, and love. Advent joy does not end with Christmas. It can follow us further if we embrace it as a way of life.
Advent as a Space for Creativity
For many, Advent is also a time of creativity. Handicrafts, baking, writing, decorating – all are ways in which joy can be expressed. The third Sunday of Advent is the perfect moment to remember. Creating is not only a practical activity. It is also a spiritual act. When we create, we give joy to ourselves and to others.
That is why Advent is so strongly connected with art – with music, poetry, and visual works. Every wreath, every ornament, every carol is a small work that carries joy onward. The third candle invites us not only to get joy but also to create it.
Joy as a Bridge
The third Sunday of Advent is a bridge between darkness and light, between waiting and fulfillment. It is the moment when we realize that joy is not only the result of Christmas. This joy is already here now. Advent joy is joy from expectation, joy from preparation, joy from the journey itself.
That is why the third candle is rose-colored. It is a color that combines the seriousness of purple. It also combines the lightness of white. It is the color of transition, the color of hope, the color of a bridge. And this bridge reminds us that joy is always within reach, even when it seems far away.
The third Sunday of Advent is an invitation to joy. Not loud, but quiet. Not superficial, but deep. It is joy born of small things, teaching gratitude and preparing us for the coming of light.
Tomorrow, when we light the third candle, we can remember something important. Joy is not only a goal. It is also a path. That Advent joy is joy we can live every day—in creativity, in community, in silence, and in light. And this joy is the greatest gift we can give ourselves.
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