Traditionally, the prayers, hymns, and the use of the rose vestments and lighting of the rose candle on the Advent Wreath mark a milestone that proclaims hope and joy for the Church on this Third Sunday of Advent.
The prayers, Scripture passages and hymns of this day celebrate how near Jesus’ coming into the world is. That is, how near we draw to the great joy of Christmas when we recall and celebrate his first coming in human flesh, AND how near we draw and Christ draws near to us in his coming in the fullness of time. The prophets of old are being fulfilled, and the yearning in our own hearts has been heard and he will come to set us free, to raise us up, and for the fullness of truth to be known by all and to be known in all.
In every generation there are shadows that block the horizon of this perfect Light. In every generation it is a temptation to see that shadow and so withdraw from hope in the Light. On the other hand, it has been possible in every generation to believe and trust in the Light so that the shadow, whether a faint mist or a heavy blanket, looks different. It seems less dark and less daunting. We know that while the broken nature within us or around us exists, it is neither lasting nor victorious over us.
The Christmas wreaths that already have made their debut for the season herald the joy of the day for which we long. The Advent Wreath, with its three purple candles and one rose candle, celebrates the joy of the journey itself. And the rose candle and rose vestments of this day proclaim the place along the journey we have arrived.
The place where we are ... the place to which we are called... great cause for us all to “Rejoice!!!” Fr. Tom