Chloe Adams
The Joy Candle, also known as the Shepherd Candle, is the third candle of Advent. It reflects the joy that comes through Jesus' arrival and the salvation he brings. The candle is usually pink or rose-coloured, symbolising joy and anticipation for Christmas. However, not all churches use a pink candle to represent this occasion, with some opting for a violet candle instead.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | The Joy Candle, The Candle of Joy |
| Candle Week | Third Week of Advent |
| Candle Day | Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday, Rejoice Sunday |
| Candle Color | Pink, Rose |
| Number of Candles | Four |
| Other Colors | Violet, Purple |
| Scripture | Philippians 4:4-5 |
| Bible Verse | "Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!" |
| Symbolizes | Joy, Anticipation, Longing, Hope |
| Other Names | Shepherd Candle |
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What You'll Learn
The pink candle symbolises joy
The pink candle is the third candle of the four Advent candles, with the others being purple or violet. The third Sunday of Advent is also known as Gaudete Sunday, from the Latin 'Gaudete in Domino semper: iterum dico, gaudete', which means 'Rejoice in the Lord always: again I say, rejoice'. This day is a time of refreshment, feasting and joy amid the penitential season.
The colour pink is said to represent the joy of anticipation for Christmas. The lighting of the pink candle is a reminder to focus on the joy of Christ during the Advent season. The candle symbolises the joy of Christ's coming to earth, and the arrival of the Messiah.
The pink candle is also said to symbolise the joy that comes from simple things, like children finding treats in their Christmas stockings. The colour pink is a reminder to find joy in the little things and to spread joy to others.
The lighting of the pink candle is a time to rejoice and celebrate the promise of Christ's arrival and salvation. It is a reminder to focus on the joy that comes with the Christmas season and to spread that joy to those around us.
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It is the third candle of Advent
The third candle of Advent is known as the "Shepherd's Candle" or the "Angel's Candle". It is also called the "Candle of Joy", as it reflects the joy that comes through Jesus' arrival and the salvation he brings. This candle is usually pink, rose, or violet in colour, symbolising joy and celebration. Violet also acknowledges Jesus' kingship.
The third Sunday of Advent is called "Gaudete Sunday", from the Latin "gaudete", which means "rejoice" or "praise". The day celebrates the passage Philippians 4:4-5, with the verses exhorting readers to "rejoice" for "the Lord is near". The candle symbolises the joy of Christ's coming to earth and the joyful anticipation of the shepherds who journeyed to see Jesus in Bethlehem.
The colour pink is associated with the candle of joy as it is the liturgical colour for joy. It is also linked to the tradition of priests wearing pink vestments, as well as parents painting a room pink in eager anticipation of a child's arrival. The colour pink is also said to have its roots in ancient liturgical documents.
The lighting of the candle of joy during the third week of Advent is a reminder to focus on acts of mercy and bringing joy to others. It is a time to reflect on the true meaning of joy and how it can bring light during a dark time. The candle symbolises the joy that is found in Christ and the salvation he brings, filling our worship with gladness and anticipation of his return.
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It is also known as the Shepherd Candle
The Joy Candle is pink, and it is also known as the Shepherd Candle. It is the third candle of Advent and is lit on the third Sunday of Advent, which is also called Guadete (or Rejoice) Sunday. The colour pink is said to symbolise joy and celebration.
The Shepherd Candle reflects the joy that comes through Jesus' arrival and the salvation he brings. It is also referred to as the Shepherd Candle to highlight the joy the shepherds experienced when they received the news of Christ's birth. In the Bible, the shepherds are mentioned in Luke 2:8-20. They were watching their sheep when an angel appeared to them and said:
> Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.
The shepherds immediately went to Bethlehem and found Joseph, Mary, and their baby. They were the first emissaries of joy, passing on the message to others.
The lighting of the Joy Candle during Advent is meant to bring joy to a time when people may be experiencing despair. It is a reminder to focus on the joy of the season and to spread that joy to others.
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It is lit on Gaudete or Rejoice Sunday
The joy candle is pink or rose-coloured. It is the third candle of the four Advent candles and is also known as the Shepherd Candle. It symbolises the joy that comes through Jesus' arrival and the salvation he brings. It is lit on Gaudete Sunday, which falls on the third Sunday of Advent in the liturgical calendar of Western Christianity. This includes the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion, Lutheran churches, and other mainline Protestant churches.
The term Gaudete is derived from the Latin word for "rejoice", which is the first word of the introit of the day's Mass: "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice". The day's theme expresses the joy of anticipation at the approach of the Christmas celebration. This is reflected in the lighting of the pink candle, which stands out from the other purple or violet Advent candles.
Gaudete Sunday is a break from the otherwise sombre readings of the Advent season, which has the secondary theme of the need for penitence. Instead, the readings on this day emphasise the joyous anticipation of the Lord's coming. In his 2014 Gaudete Sunday homily, Pope Francis said that people should "think of all the good things life has given you" instead of worrying about "all they still haven't done" to prepare for Christmas.
The colour pink is associated with joy in Christian tradition. On Gaudete Sunday, priests may wear rose-coloured vestments instead of violet or deep blue, which are typically worn during Advent. This custom is reflected in the practice of including a pink or rose-coloured candle among the four candles of an Advent wreath. The lighting of the pink candle on Gaudete Sunday symbolises the joy and anticipation of Christmas.
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It is associated with the arrival of Jesus
The colour pink has a significant role in Christian symbolism, and its appearance during Advent holds a special meaning for those who observe this religious tradition. The lighting of the pink candle, often called the "Joy Candle," is a beloved tradition in many Christian households and churches. This unique candle is lit on the third Sunday of Advent, marking a shift in the tone of the season as it directs our attention to the coming joy associated with the birth of Jesus Christ.
The pink candle stands out among the otherwise green and purple hues typically associated with Advent. This distinct colour carries a specific message of happiness and celebration. In Christian theology, pink is often used to represent joy and happiness, especially in anticipation of Christ's birth. So, the lighting of the pink candle serves as a visual reminder that amidst the solemn preparation and reflection of Advent, there is also great joy in anticipating the arrival of the Messiah.
The pink candle is often accompanied by a change in the tone of the liturgy and worship music during the third week of Advent. The themes of the prayers and hymns often become more upbeat and triumphant, reflecting the joy that the pink candle symbolizes. This shift helps to create a holistic worship experience that engages both the visual and auditory senses, making the message of joy more impactful and memorable.
The lighting of the pink candle also holds a message of hope and encouragement for Christians. The colour pink, being a combination of red and white, can represent a merging of divine love (red) and purity (white). Together, they symbolize the perfect love and sinless nature of Jesus. So, the lighting of the pink candle serves as a reminder that the arrival of Jesus brings hope and joy to a weary world, offering a message of salvation and a promise of eternal joy for those who believe.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Joy candle is pink.
The Joy candle, also known as the Shepherd Candle, reflects the joy that comes through Jesus' arrival and the salvation he has gifted us.
The Joy candle is lit on the third Sunday of Advent, also known as Guadete Sunday.
The pink colour of the candle is meant to symbolise joy and the anticipation of Christmas. It is also said to reflect the joy the shepherds experienced when they received the news of Christ's birth.
While the traditional colour for the Joy candle is pink, some churches may use violet or purple candles instead, reflecting royalty and the kingship of Jesus.
