Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Phillipians 4:4
The third candle in the advent wreath is pink! Why did they choose the color pink for this candle? The first Advent calendars were boards with four white candles hanging from the ceiling. Then there was a decision that all of the candles should be blue to match the clergy’s vestments. And finally today’s Advent candles are three purple candles, and one pink candle. It is thought that the pink candle represented a break in fasting. Fasting used to take place for a full month! That is a very long time.
The pink candle has several different names. It is called the Shepherd’s Candle and the Gaudete Candle. Gaudete means rejoice in Latin and this Sunday we celebrate and rejoice knowing that Jesus Christ is about to be born! The shepherds heard the angels singing from the sky, “Fear not for I bring you good tidings of great joy.” (Luke 2:10) This joy wasn’t just for the shepherds, it was for all people! “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke2:14)
This flower bouquet is from the loveliest wedding I have seen in a long time. I follow the bride’s account on Instagram because she is so creative. I fell in love with her bow sweatshirts many months ago. Alex invited her followers to follow along with her wedding preparations. She was full of so much joy over every little detail. I found myself joyfully anticipating her posts full of pink and green wedding ideas. Alex and her new husband are entering their union full of joy! It’s easy to get sidetracked by the little things that don’t go your way, but look at everything else and feel the joy! Pink is the joyful Christmas color of the season! I have seen so many people decorating their trees and houses in pink for the holidays. I hope that they are all full of joy! Joyously anticipating Christmas Day, the coming of our Lord and Savior, that’s what makes this holiday so special.
This year, I think I will tie pink bows from my chandelier to remind me of the third Sunday of Advent and the I must rejoice and thank God for sending his son this beautiful Christmas season! A tiny baby laying in a manger, born for you and for me! Rejoice, rejoice, and again I say rejoice!!!