As I have repeatedly said there seems to be no authority or standard governing the tradition of the Advent wreath. In orthodox circles the third Sunday of Advent is named Gaudete (Rejoice) to reflect the theme of the liturgical chant used on this day; this in turn led to this week being named in that tradition "Joy" - for in Joy we rejoice. Joy was given the color pink. Why? Because orthodox Advent liturgy is modeled in parallel to Lent liturgy. Gaudete is the midpoint of Advent as Laetare is the midpoint of Lent. In the early Church the "Pope" presented honoured citizens of Rome with a pink rose on Laetare, this led to pink robes at Laetare, as well as at Gaudete (Advent 3). As such, when the Advent wreath came along the 3rd candle became pink to follow this tradition.
For this Blog we have followed a different theological pattern: As certain Hope brings Peace we experience God's Love which gives us eternal Joy - these are the names and colors of our Advent journey in this blog. Also note our candle colors brighten in this pattern as the Light of the World is revealed: from deep dark blue or purple we cross the spectrum to violet to rose and finally to pink. This represents the growing light in Advent which is finally revealed to us in the Christ Child: "the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned."
This theological pattern runs parallel to the other naming tradition we have been following: Prophecy in certain Hope points "the Way" to the Peace found in the Love incarnate in Bethlehem and proclaimed with Joy by the Angels. So this week' candle of Love is sometimes called the Bethlehem Candle or the Shepherds' Candle - Love was witnessed in Bethlehem by the Shepherds.
While contemplating these symbols of Advent something deep within me aches - it is an ache for Christ's return. I am certain this was the intent of all those who have gone before us and who have collectively left us our traditions. The only way I can describe this yearning is to compare it to the ache I felt when my first son was born. He was taken to the intensive care unit immediately after his birth; I was unable to hold him even for a moment. I waited for hours. They were among the longest hours of my life. I ached to know him and hold this newborn son. That's the best I can do to describe the emotion and anticipation of Advent - an aching to know the One who yearns to be loved. For unto us a child is born and unto us a Son is given and this Son is the Light of the world, the incarnation of God's Love seeking love.
Yes there is a diversity of meanings and traditions assigned to the candles of Advent - its not nice and neatly packaged and done up with a Christmas bow! But in this diversity and difference we find paths which inspire our aching hearts toward the Saviour of the world wrapped in swaddling cloths laying in a manger.
Such is the great Love we come to know in the advent of Christ.
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