Welcome to Week Three of Advent, aka the week we light the pink candle, also known as Gaudete Sunday.
Gaudete is Latin for “rejoice!”, which is basically heaven’s way of saying: “Hey… smile a little. Joy is on the way.” And honestly? We need that reminder. Because joy sometimes feels like that mysterious extra sock that went missing in the dryer—you know it exists, but where did it go?
But Advent joy? Oh, it’s real. It’s deep. It’s contagious. And it’s absolutely unshakeable. Let’s dive in.
Joy That Interrupts the Ordinary
The shepherds in Luke 2 weren’t doing anything glamorous. They were literally at work, in the dark, hanging out with sheep who were probably not winning any beauty contests. Then… BOOM. Angels show up. The night sky explodes in glory. The shepherds go from “just surviving their shift” to “front-row seats at the greatest birth announcement in history.” And what did the angels say? “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy…” — Luke 2:10 Joy comes bursting into an ordinary night for ordinary people. That’s Advent joy—joy that shows up when you least expect it.
Joy Isn’t a Mood — It’s a Miracle
Let’s clear this up: Joy isn’t being cheerful 24/7, Joy isn’t pretending everything is fine, Joy isn’t smiling like you’re in a toothpaste commercial. Biblical joy is deeper. Stronger. Sturdier. Joy is what happens when God’s goodness collides with our lives. It bubbles up from hope, not circumstances. That’s why Paul could say: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” — Philippians 4:4 Not “rejoice because life is easy.” Not “rejoice because you feel like it.” But “rejoice in the Lord.” Our joy has a source, and His name is Jesus.
Joy Doesn’t Replace Hardship — It Transforms It
Joy isn’t the opposite of sorrow. It’s the companion that walks beside it. Jesus was born into a world full of tension, fear, and uncertainty. And yet the announcement was still: “GREAT joy.” Why? Because Jesus didn’t come to remove every hard thing—He came to redeem every hard thing. Joy doesn’t ignore pain. Joy shows up in the middle of it saying, “This won’t have the final word.”
Joy Is Found in Small, Simple, Holy Moments
Sometimes joy looks like:
- A child’s laugh
- A quiet moment with God
- A song that hits your soul
- Someone remembering your favorite drink
- A truth from Scripture that lands perfectly
- A sunrise that paints the sky in impossible colors
Joy isn’t always fireworks. Sometimes it’s a spark. Sometimes it’s a whisper. But it’s always a gift.
Why the Pink Candle?
Because pink is the colour of a “holy party.” It’s the church’s way of saying “We’re halfway there—don’t lose heart. Joy is coming, joy is here, and joy is yours.”
This week is meant to feel lighter. Gentler. Brighter. A little more like dancing-through-the-living-room kind of energy. Because the closer we get to Christmas, the louder joy gets.
A Joy Challenge for the Week
Every day, ask yourself: “Where did I see God’s goodness today?” Write it down. Share it with a friend. Tell God “thank you.” Small joys become big joys when you notice them.
Final Thought: Joy Has Skin On—His Name Is Jesus
He didn’t just bring joy. He is joy. And because He came,
- joy isn’t fragile
- joy isn’t temporary
- joy isn’t dependent on how your day went
It’s grounded in the God who came close. So light the pink candle. Hum the Christmas songs off-key. Let joy catch you by surprise this week. Heaven is still proclaiming “great joy.” Let your heart echo it.