Third Advent Candle: The Candle of Joy

The Third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday, is a time of rejoicing amidst the anticipation of Christ’s coming. The lighting of the third candle, often called the Candle of Joy, symbolizes the joy of salvation that Jesus Christ brings to the world. Unlike the somber purple candles that represent repentance and preparation, this candle is often pink, signifying a break from the solemnity and an invitation to rejoice in the midst of our waiting.

The theme of joy in Advent reminds us that Christian joy is not dependent on external circumstances but is rooted in the faithfulness of God. The people of Israel, waiting for centuries for the promised Messiah, found hope in the prophetic words of Isaiah:

"The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing" (Isaiah 35:1-2).

This joy is not mere happiness, but a deep assurance that God is at work, bringing restoration, healing, and redemption. As Christians, even in times of struggle and uncertainty, we are invited to share in this joy, knowing that God’s promises are true, and His salvation is near.

The Gospel reading for the Third Sunday of Advent often features John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, who prepared the way for the Messiah. In Matthew 11:2-11, John, from his prison cell, sends his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” Jesus responds by pointing to the signs of the Kingdom: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.

These miracles are evidence of the joy that comes with the arrival of Christ. Jesus’ response invites John—and us—to find joy in the fulfillment of God's promises, even if it looks different from our expectations. This joy transcends our circumstances because it is anchored in the person of Jesus, who is Emmanuel, "God with us."

The joy of Advent is not passive; it calls us to respond. Mary, upon learning of the miraculous birth of Jesus, proclaims in her Magnificat: "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior" (Luke 1:46-47).

Mary’s joy leads her to praise God and to trust in His plan, despite the challenges she faced. Similarly, the joy of Advent compels us to be witnesses to the light of Christ in the world. It challenges us to embody the hope, peace, and love of the season through acts of justice, compassion, and service.

In a world that often feels dark and divided, the Candle of Joy reminds us that the light of Christ has come into the world, and the darkness cannot overcome it (John 1:5). This joy fuels our mission to share the Good News with those who are suffering, marginalized, or despairing.

Advent joy also reflects the tension of living in the already and the not yet of God’s Kingdom. While we celebrate the birth of Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promise, we also long for His second coming, when His Kingdom will be fully realized. This duality gives our joy both a retrospective and a forward-looking dimension.

The Apostle Paul captures this paradox beautifully when he exhorts the Philippians: "Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near" (Philippians 4:4-5).

Even as we wait for the full restoration of creation, we rejoice because we know that Christ’s presence is with us now, guiding us and sustaining us.

As we light the third candle of Advent, let us rejoice in the nearness of God, who enters into our broken world to bring healing and salvation. May this joy not only fill our hearts but overflow into our actions, as we become bearers of Christ’s light and hope in the world. Joy, rooted in the promises of God and sustained by the presence of Christ, is both a gift and a calling that transforms our waiting into worship and our anticipation into action.

This Advent, let us embrace the Candle of Joy, rejoicing in the certainty that the Savior has come and will come again, bringing with Him the fullness of life and love for all creation