A student from one of our Junior High Religious Education classes recently asked: What is the significance of the PINK candle of the Advent Wreath, and why is Holy Trinity’s Advent Wreath placed in the center of the church by the baptismal font?  The pink or rose colored candle is traditionally associated with the Third Sunday of Advent (this weekend) and was originally called Gaudete (Rejoice!) Sunday from its Entrance antiphon: “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice! The Lord is near.” Our candle is ringed in pink jewels.

The season of Advent originated as a forty day fast in preparation for Christmas, similar to our modern season of Lent but beginning on the day after the feast of St. Martin (12 November), and so it was called "St. Martin's Lent" The reason for rejoicing? The fast was almost over! Christmas is just around the corner.

The Advent Wreath (or candle stand) placed in the center shines in the midst of the assembly, as does Christ himself. The wreath claims our attention when we pass by the font as we come into Mass. As we turn toward the center to see the liturgical procession passing by the wreath we are in fact, “turning toward each other, becoming conscious of each other’s presence as the church begins its liturgy.” (Gather Faithfully Together)

Placing the Advent Wreath near the font helps make the connection between our own baptismal call with that of the Lord’s. In Advent John the Baptist heralds the Lord’s coming and later in the Christmas season John baptizes the adult Jesus inaugurating his mission on earth.

An Advent Wreath at home links Sunday worship visually and verbally with daily prayer and Christmas preparation at home.      (December 11, 2005)