On this Gaudete Sunday – the third Sunday of Advent – we light the rose candle on our wreath and are invited to reflect on the Advent theme of joy. Gaudete is a Latin word and means ‘Rejoice!’ We take a short hiatus from the sentiment of repentance and preparation of the season as we get a glimpse into the joy we find in the manger with the infant Jesus.

The first two weeks of Advent look forward to the final Coming of Christ, at the end of all times, in his Judgement to make all things new — to, as Mary tells us, lift up the lowly, and bring down the mighty. But on the third Sunday, the rose candle marks a shift in focus — we remember John the Baptist heralding the coming of Christ here among us, and our hearts turn to the Crib. To the one who comes, born into darkness, in the light of Presence and Hope. The one who will walk with us; shares all things with us; and whose Judgement is held in the tenderest love. And so, the purple of our preparations and reflection is shot through with the rose of sheer, tender, Joy.

The rose candle reminds us of Christian Joy, and Rejoicing. The rejoicing that can stand in the dark, the pain, the sorrow, the brokenness of the world — and know it is neither alone, nor despairing.