Today, we light the third candle on the Advent wreath – the candle of Joy!
In some churches, the third candle is the “Shepherds’ Candle”—but in others, it is the candle that symbolizes Joy! The focus on the joy the shepherds felt in discovering the Christ child might have occasioned this candle representing joy.
We think of the joy the arrival of the Savior brought to those who had been awaiting His coming, the joy He brought through his resurrection and opening the doors to eternal life, and the joy we now experience through the gift He gives us—the Holy Spirit—the Comforter, our Counselor who resides within each believer.
Some churches use a pink candle on this day. Catholic church historians believe…