Joy - Season of Advent

Traditionally, the four big themes of Advent are Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, many churches light a new candle on the Advent wreath each Sunday, with every candle pointing to one of these ideas.

The third Advent candle represents Joy, sometimes called the Shepherd’s Candle. It reminds us of the joy the shepherds experienced when they heard the incredible news that the Savior had been born. Unlike the other Advent candles, which are usually purple, the third candle is pink or rose-coloured.

Join me as we continue to explore Advent themes that come straight from Scripture and are meant to help us slow down and prepare our hearts for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love— each highlighting a different part of God’s amazing plan in sending His Son into the world and what that means for us today.

Joy - the Shepherd's Candle

\While Advent is generally a season of waiting, penitence and preparation - a time when we slow down, reflect, and hold onto hope as we look forward to the coming of the Lord Jesus - the third Sunday of Advent - also known as Gaudete Sunday - stands out as different.

It brings a surprising note of joy and marks a noticeable shift in tone. The first two Sundays tend to feel more serious and focused on preparation, but this one gives us a kind of pause -a moment to take a breath and celebrate how close Christmas really is.

The word Gaudete comes from the opening line of the Mass for that day, which begins with the Latin phrase “Gaudete in Domino semper”—“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice” (Philippians 4:4). These words from St. Paul capture the heart of the day. Even while we’re still waiting, we’re invited to rejoice.

The third Joy candle is also known as the Shepherd’s Candle because it reminds us of the joy the shepherds experienced when they heard the incredible news that the Savior had been born. When the angel appeared to them, Scripture tells us they were terrified—but that their fear quickly turned into joy.

The angel said, “Do not be afraid. For behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people” (Luke 2:10).

This wasn’t just good news for the shepherds—it was good news for everyone.

What’s important to notice is that this joy didn’t come from their circumstances suddenly getting better. Their lives didn’t instantly change. They were still shepherds, still working in the fields. But they had joy because they had heard about Jesus.

Likewise, Gaudete Sunday isn’t just about being happy because Christmas is almost here. It’s really about reminding us what true Christian joy looks like - it’s not shallow or temporary, but a deep, steady joy that comes from knowing God and trusting Him, even as we continue to wait.

You can even see that shift visually. The liturgical color changes from purple, which represents penance, to rose, a color that signals joy. But the fourth candle will return to purple, reminding us that joy breaks through the waiting, it doesn't remove it completely.

So when we light the Joy candle during Advent, we’re reminded that real joy isn’t found in perfect circumstances, gifts, or celebrations. It’s found in Christ who came to bring salvation, forgiveness, and new life. Because of Him, we can have joy that lasts - not simply for a moment, but for eternity - just like it was for the shepherds that night ...