Day 15

The Third Sunday of Advent

Today, we light the Shepherd's Candle which reminds us that Christ came for all, both rich and poor. It is also known as the Joy candle.

We are getting so close to Christmas now - you can even smell it in the air.  The joy of the season is exciting and beautiful to behold.  But even more wonderful is the joy we have in knowing the truth of  Romans 8:39 -  "neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

This third Sunday of Advent is sometimes referred to as Gaudete Sunday.  This comes from the Latin phrase, "Gaudete in Domino semper" ("Rejoice in the Lord always") which is said during this Sunday's Mass.   Traditionally, rose colored vestments are worn today in the Catholic church.

We light the rose-colored candle, rather than the purple candle to remind us to rejoice.