Dear Friends,
Today you will notice that a pink candle will be lit on our altar. It is different than all of the other candles on the wreath. The pink stands out. It is special. The pink candle makes this Sunday special—it makes this day stand out from the rest.
What is the significance of Pink Candle Sunday?
Pink Candle Sunday is also known as Gaudete Sunday, which is Latin for rejoice. This Sunday is set apart for joy.
Could you use a little joy? Then this Sunday is for you.
Joy is important to the life of faith. It is like happiness but different, deeper, more profound.
One of my favorite theologians, Henri Nouwen, describes the difference between joy and happiness. While happiness is dependent on external conditions, on what is happening around us and what is happening to us, joy is,
“…the experience of knowing that you are unconditionally loved and that nothing—sickness, failure, emotional distress, oppression, war, or even death—can take that love away.”
Joy is present even in the midst of sadness and struggle.
Joy is not about what is happening right now or what might happen one day in the future.
No, joy is about what has already happened—both to us and within us.
The joy of this season is about what God has already done, creating us, and everything and everyone around us, in love.
So, when that Pink Candle gets lit today, take a second and find the joy within you. Realize that God has poured nothing but goodness and love into you.
Take stock of all that you have been given. Give thanks for all that you have come through. Know that the Author of Life and Giver of Love is with you and will be there to meet you no matter what awaits you.
That kind of truth deserves a different kind of candle. It deserves a pink candle.
Happy Pink Candle Sunday!
Grace and Peace,
