Why the Pink Candle? Celebrating Gaudete Sunday

Right in the midst of the penitence and preparation of Advent and Lent, the Church, in her wisdom, has given us two bright moments known as Refreshment Sundays. These days offer a pause in the austerity of their respective seasons, allowing us a moment of respite from the spiritual disciplines that we have taken on. They also shift the somber mood towards a more joyful anticipation.

On these Sundays, the tone lightens, the colors shift, and we are reminded, visually and spiritually, that our waiting is not in vain. These refreshment days serve not as a break from the season’s purpose, but as an invitation to look ahead with hope.

An Advent Pause

Gaudete Sunday falls on the third Sunday of Advent and marks the midpoint of this beautiful, contemplative season. In the middle of our waiting, we are given a moment to rejoice in what is to come, the Incarnation of Christ.

It’s as though the Church, like a wise mother, knows that we need encouragement on the journey. Gaudete Sunday gives us just that: a glimpse of Christmas joy breaking into the stillness, a reminder that the light is drawing near.

The candles, the vestments, and the readings all reflect this shift. It’s a liturgical turn toward joy, still quiet, still expectant, but filled with anticipation.

Rejoice!

Like Laetare Sunday, Gaudete Sunday gets its name from the Latin word that opens the day’s introit, taken from Philippians 4:4-5:

“Gaudete in Domino semper: iterum dico, gaudete.”

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice.”

Gaudete is not a suggestion, it’s an imperative. Rejoice! Not because the waiting is over, but because the promise is sure. We are invited to rejoice now, right in the midst of the waiting. It’s a joy that comes from hope, a hope grounded in the sure arrival of Christ.

Rose Vestments and Visual Joy

On Gaudete Sunday, just as on Laetare, the Church invites us to see the joy of the season by changing the liturgical color from purple to rose. This gentle shift reflects the growing light as we approach the Feast of the Nativity.

The rose candle in the Advent wreath is lit, marking this Sunday as different, something to pause for and notice. In a season known for stillness and waiting, we are reminded of the joy that’s already blooming beneath the surface.

Ways to Celebrate Gaudete Sunday

Embrace the joy, even in the waiting. Below are a few ways to bring the spirit of Gaudete Sunday into your home:

• Light the rose candle in your Advent wreath during your family meal or prayer time. Let its gentle glow remind you of the joy drawing near.

• Wear rose or pink, a visible, tangible way to join in the spirit of rejoicing.

• Prepare a rose-colored dessert to mark the day. Strawberry or raspberry cakes, pink macarons, or anything dusted with rose petals are all simple ways to reflect the joy of the day.

• Sing a joyful hymn during your devotional time. Something like O Come, O Come, Emmanuel gains even deeper meaning when paired with rejoicing.

• Read Philippians 4:4–5 aloud as a family or during your personal prayer time. Let the command to rejoice settle deeply into your waiting.

• Do something that brings joy to someone else. As we rejoice in the Lord, our joy overflows in generosity, through acts of kindness, letters, or even a simple gift to a neighbor or friend.

  
  

The Joy of What Is Coming

Gaudete Sunday gently pulls our gaze forward. It reminds us that joy is not only found on Christmas morning, but is woven into the waiting. It teaches us that anticipation can be joyful, too, that God meets us in our preparation, not just in the fulfillment.

This Sunday reminds us that the darkness is not forever, that the Light is coming, and that even now, right here in the quiet middle, we are invited to Rejoice!