The third candle of the Advent wreath, which is lit on the third Sunday of Advent, is typically pink. This is done to mark the halfway point of Advent and signify a shift in focus during the season.
The History Behind the Pink Advent Candle
The Advent wreath originated among German Lutherans in the 16th century. It started off as a homemade tradition, with families making wreaths out of evergreens and adding four candles. The candles were lit successively on each of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas.
By the 20th century, the Advent wreath had been widely adopted by other Christian denominations. Around this time, the custom emerged of using three purple or blue candles and one pink candle. The purple candles match the color associated with the liturgical season of Advent. Meanwhile, the pink candle provides a visual break from the penitential purple and ushers in a more joyous tone as Christmas draws nearer.
The third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete means “rejoice” in Latin. On this day, the introit of the Mass begins with the opening antiphon: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Let your forbearance be known to all, for the Lord is near at hand” (Philippians 4:4-5).
Thus, the pink candle is meant to represent joy and mark a shift in focus during Advent. While the first two candles symbolize hope and peace, the pink candle represents joy and reminds us that the great joy of Christmas is coming.
The Symbolism and Meaning Behind the Pink Candle
In addition to marking the halfway point of Advent, the pink candle carries some important symbolic meaning.
First, the color pink represents joy and celebration. It provides a bright spot amidst the penitential purple of the other Advent candles. Pink is a softer, more joyful version of purple.
Secondly, pink is the mix of white and purple. White symbolizes purity, holiness, and virtue. Purple symbolizes penance and sacrifice. Thus, pink points to the blending of purity with penance that comes through Christ. As Christmas approaches, our penitential preparation gives way to joyful anticipation of the Savior’s purity and holiness.
The pink candle reminds us that joy comes through Christ alone. We rejoice because our Savior has come to take away our sins and make all things new (Revelation 21:5). The pink candle turns our eyes toward Bethlehem and the pure newborn King.
When the Pink Candle is Lit
The third Sunday of Advent can fall anywhere between December 11-17. Here are the dates when the pink candle will be lit:
| Year | Date of 3rd Sunday of Advent |
|---|---|
| 2023 | December 17 |
| 2024 | December 15 |
| 2025 | December 14 |
| 2026 | December 13 |
| 2027 | December 12 |
Some churches light the pink candle on the fourth Sunday of Advent instead of the third Sunday. However, this is much less common. The vast majority of churches follow the tradition of using a pink candle on the third Sunday of Advent to mark the midpoint before Christmas.
Associated Scripture Passages and Readings
There are several Scripture passages associated with the lighting of the pink candle:
- Philippians 4:4-7 – “Rejoice in the Lord always…”
- Luke 1:39-55 – Mary’s song of praise, the Magnificat
- Psalm 126 – “Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy.”
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 – “Rejoice always…”
- Isaiah 12:2-6 – “Shout aloud and sing for joy.”
These passages remind us to rejoice and praise God as the time of salvation draws near. The pink candle reminds us to rejoice because the Lord is at hand!
How the Pink Candle is Used in Worship
The lighting of the pink candle is often accompanied by special prayers and readings during Advent worship services:
- The celebrant wears rose-colored vestments to match the candle.
- The congregation may sing songs and hymns of rejoicing.
- Scripture texts about joy and praise are read aloud.
- The lighting prayer thanks God for the joy He brings through Jesus.
- A children’s sermon explains the symbolism of the pink candle.
- The pastor’s sermon focuses on the theme of joy during Advent.
In this way, the pink candle helps direct our thoughts and worship to the coming joy of Jesus at Christmas.
Should All Advent Wreaths Have a Pink Candle?
Using three purple candles and one pink candle on the Advent wreath has become the standard practice for most churches. However, there is no hard theological requirement about the color of Advent candles. Wreaths can have different numbers and colors of candles.
That said, including a pink candle to mark the third Sunday of Advent is a widespread custom rich with symbolism and meaning. Most churches and families find that the pink candle enriches their Advent worship and observance. The splash of pink provides visual beauty, interest, and embroidery to the traditional Advent wreath.
Making or Buying a Pink Advent Candle
Pink Advent candles can be purchased at many Christian and religious goods stores, especially during the Advent and Christmas seasons. They are also available from online retailers like Amazon. However, supply is usually fairly limited.
A handcrafted option is to take a regular ivory or white taper candle and dye it pink using liquid candle dye. Dip the base up to one third of the candle in pink dye for several minutes. Allow it to dry completely before handling. This will create the traditional look of a pink candle with white wax on top.
Other Variations on the Advent Wreath
While the four-candle wreath with three purple and one pink is standard, some churches use alternate Advent wreath traditions:
- All blue candles (historically common in Scandinavian churches)
- All white candles
- Three purple candles and one white Christ candle in the center
- Different colors for each candle representing hope, love, joy, and peace
The important thing is that the Advent wreath helps us spiritually prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas. The specific colors and arrangements are flexible.
Conclusion
The pink candle on the third Sunday of Advent provides a bright splash of joyful color amidst the penitential purple. It reminds us to rejoice because our Savior will soon be born. The pink candle marks a shift in the focus of Advent as we draw closer to Christmas celebration. It reminds us that the pure infant King is coming to wash away our sins and make us clean.
Lighting the pink candle is a beloved Advent tradition full of powerful symbolism. The joyful pink candle enriches Advent worship and preparation in churches and homes around the world.
