In the Advent wreath, the pink candle, also known as the Shepherds’ Candle, represents joy and is lit on the third Sunday of Advent. This candle marks a shift in the tone of Advent from reflection to anticipation. Joy is often linked to anticipation. We ‘look forward’ to Christmas, anticipating the activities we will do, the traditions we will participate in and the celebrations we will enjoy.
Advent joy is a feeling of happiness that comes from being in the presence of God. It is a joy that is grounded in thankfulness for the first coming of Jesus Christ, and anticipation of his second coming. The first informs the second: because we can look back on that first Christmas, we can look ahead to the second coming of Christ which will see His final judgment and rewards and the end of all sin, death, sorrow and suffering.
Be thankful; look ahead with joyful anticipation. Christmas is not the end of the story. We are still waiting for the return of our King.
