Joyful Waiting
As we light the third candle of the Advent wreath this Sunday, something shifts. The deep purple hues of penitence and preparation are joined by the soft, warm glow of rose—the color of joy. Known as Gaudete Sunday, this third week of Advent invites us to pause, take a breath, and rejoice. But what does it mean to experience joy in the middle of waiting?
Waiting is an uncomfortable place to be. Whether we are waiting for the results of a medical test, for reconciliation in a fractured relationship, or for the fulfillment of a long-held hope, the act of waiting can test the limits of our patience and faith. Yet, in Advent, we are reminded that waiting is not passive; it is deeply active. It is an invitation to live with expectant hearts, trusting in the promises of God even when the outcome remains unseen.
This is why the rose-colored candle stands out so boldly on our Advent wreath. It reminds us that joy is already here, even as we wait. The world around us may be preoccupied with frantic preparations for Christmas—shopping, decorating, planning—but the joy we celebrate today is not found in what we do. It is a joy rooted in who God is. The Christ we wait for is not far off; He is already among us, working in our hearts and our lives, even now.
Advent mirrors our journey as Christians. We live in the “already and not yet” of God’s kingdom. Christ has come, and Christ will come again. This tension calls us to a joyful anticipation—a deep and abiding hope that transforms the way we see the world. When we light the rose candle, we proclaim that our waiting is not in vain. God is faithful, and God’s promises will be fulfilled.
This week, I invite you to lean into the joy of this season. Take a moment to notice the small glimpses of Christ’s presence breaking into your life—a kind word, a moment of quiet peace, a gesture of love shared with a friend or stranger. These are the signs that God is near. Let them fill your heart with hope and your spirit with joy.
As we journey together through Advent, let us remember that joy is not the absence of struggle or sorrow. It is the assurance that, even in the midst of life’s challenges, Emmanuel—God with us—is present. And that is cause for rejoicing.
May this Gaudete Sunday fill your hearts with the light and joy of Christ. As we wait, may we do so with hopeful hearts and joyful spirits, knowing that God’s promises are sure and His love unshakable.
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Yours in Christ,
Mo. Allison+
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