The Third Sunday of Advent: Joy
Illuminating Joy with the Shepherd's Candle
On this third Sunday of Advent, as we light the Shepherd's Candle, which glows a vivid pink, we explore the biblical stories that deepen the resonance of joy.
The scriptures take on a luminous backdrop as they intertwine the story of celebration passed down through the ages from believers to shepherds.
The Announcement
The call to celebrate, which is the central message of Gaudete Sunday, is encapsulated in this angelic declaration to the shepherds. Bathed in pink, the Shepherd's Candle transforms into a visual tribute to the immense pleasure announced by the Savior's birth, which we see the announcement in Luke 2:10-11:
"But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for everyone. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.'"
Attitudes of Joy
The attitude of joyful expectation permeates the psalmist's words. The warmth emanating from it, the Shepherd's Candle, comes to represent the faith that causes hearts to spring with delight when they are in the presence of the Lord, as seen in Psalm 28:7:
"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song, I praise him."
A Call to Celebrate
The apostle Paul gives a timeless call to celebrate in these lines. In the middle of the Advent journey, Gaudete Sunday, symbolized by the Shepherd's Candle, becomes a concrete answer to this invitation. It is a conscious and joyous decision we find in Philippians 4:4:
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"
A Sunday of Joy
With its radiant pink light, the Shepherd's Candle transforms into a joyful light that leads believers to celebrate Christ's coming.
It inspires us to embrace each moment with excitement from the profound reality that the Savior has come. We look forward to His glorious return rather than merely marking time.
J.R. Heimbigner is a #1 Bestselling Author on Amazon who writes about faith and writing books. He has self-published 3 bible study devotionals on Amazon. Check them out below: