It was little known as recently as fifty years ago, this thing called an Advent wreath. Now, even in churches that insist they are “non-liturgical”, they are widely adopted. It can still, however, be a conundrum even for us so-called “Advent experts”. Even I need reminding about which week the rose or pink candle is lit.

There really is no strict law or dogma that dictates color. So why the pink or rose candle in the nine o’clock position here at Joy? It is an admittedly obsolete custom carried over from Roman Catholicism. Rose is for Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent; we get a breather from the solemnity of preparation and huddle around blessed Mary.

This is our way of progressing in worship this season. The Light of the world gets bigger, more intense – at Bethlehem and in glory at the end of the age. We do not need to assign virtues to every candle/Sunday; we have enough on our plates than to be burdened with liturgical adiaphora (small stuff). Light is enough. The light of Christ that is brought into the worship space gets enhanced by the wreath. Whether the days of your lives in this holy season be troubled or tragic, hopeful or helpless, harried or humbling; we have accumulating light. Unconditional love. What child is this? Our hope and expectation. Oh Jesus, now appear.

Pastor Art