Why Pink?

This week we lit the third candle in the advent wreath.  It was pink; the other two are purple.  Why pink?   I chuckle when folks ask me that question.  Some think it is because we ran out of purple candles. One child said it was because Mary and Joseph really wanted a little girl.  

Here’s the real explanation. Advent is a time of repentance and reflection, and the purple candles reflect this mood as we prepare for Christmas.   While the first two candles in the advent wreath are purple, the third week is pink (or rose) and is the color of joy.   The pink candle gets its name from the Latin word,   gaudete, which means rejoice.   The early church recognized it was spiritually appropriate to rejoice and experience a little joy  the third week  of Advent, before returning to a more reflective mood the week before the birth of Christ.

We hear a lot these days about the stress and hassles of the season, but it seems to me there is also much joy to experience.   Of course the Bible is clear in its rejoicing of “ Joy to the world, the Lord has come.”  I wonder what else is it that sets your feet a-tapping and your soul rejoicing?  Love to hear what it is that brings you joy.