As you gather for lighting the third advent candles, the growing light signals that joy is near. This Sunday, often called Gaudete Sunday, shifts the tone of Advent from quiet waiting to joyful anticipation. The pink or rose candle reminds us that our preparation is almost complete. Including a prayer for lighting the third advent candles helps focus your family or congregation on the theme of joy.
Many people struggle to find the right words when lighting the Advent wreath. You want something meaningful but not too long. You want to connect the candle’s flame to your heart’s preparation. Below you will find a complete guide with prayers, scripture readings, and practical steps for your third Advent candle lighting ceremony.
Prayer For Lighting The Third Advent Candles
Before you light the candle, take a moment to settle everyone. Turn off distractions. Hold the match or lighter steady. The following prayer works for both family settings and small church groups. Read it slowly, pausing after each line.
Opening Prayer:
Lord God, we light this third candle as a sign of your coming joy. The prophets spoke of gladness for your people. Fill our hearts with the same hope that Mary felt when she carried your Son. As this flame grows brighter, let our anticipation of Christmas grow stronger. We ask this in Jesus name. Amen.
Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:4-5
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”
Closing Response: All say together: “Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly.”
Why The Third Candle Is Pink
The third Advent candle is traditionally pink or rose colored. This color represents joy. It stands out from the purple candles because it marks a break in the penitential season. The Latin word “Gaudete” means “rejoice.” This Sunday invites you to celebrate that Christmas is very close.
Some traditions call this the “Shepherds Candle.” Shepherds were the first to hear the good news of Jesus birth. They ran to see the baby with great joy. Your prayer for lighting the third advent candles can reflect this shepherds excitement.
When To Light The Third Candle
Light the third candle on the third Sunday of Advent. If you are using a weekly Advent wreath at home, light it during dinner or evening prayer. Many families light it just before the evening meal. Others prefer Sunday morning before church. Choose a time when everyone can be present and focused.
The candle should burn for the entire meal or prayer time. Do not blow it out quickly. Let the flame remind you of God’s presence throughout your gathering.
Step-By-Step Lighting Ceremony
Follow these steps for a smooth and meaningful ceremony. You can adjust the order based on your tradition.
- Gather everyone around the Advent wreath. Place it in the center of the table or on a stable surface.
- Light the first two purple candles first if they are not already burning. Then light the pink third candle.
- Read the scripture passage aloud. Choose from the options below.
- Say the prayer for lighting the third advent candles together or have one person lead.
- Sing a verse of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” or another Advent hymn.
- Close with a blessing for the meal or the evening.
Keep the ceremony short. Children may lose focus if it drags on. Five to seven minutes is ideal.
Short Prayer Option For Busy Families
Not every night allows for a long ceremony. Use this brief version when time is tight.
“Jesus, you are the light of the world. As we light this third candle, fill our home with joy. Help us prepare our hearts for your coming. Amen.”
This simple prayer for lighting the third advent candles still honors the tradition without requiring much time.
Scripture Readings For The Third Week
Each week of Advent has specific readings. The third week focuses on joy and rejoicing. Choose one of these passages for your ceremony.
- Isaiah 35:1-10 – The desert will rejoice and blossom
- Zephaniah 3:14-18 – Sing aloud, O daughter Zion
- Luke 1:46-55 – Mary’s Magnificat
- Philippians 4:4-7 – Rejoice in the Lord always
Read the passage slowly. Let the words sink in. After reading, you can ask a simple question like “What makes you joyful today?” This helps everyone connect the scripture to daily life.
Using The Magnificat With The Third Candle
Mary’s song of praise fits perfectly with the third candle. She rejoiced in God her savior. Her joy came from trust, not from easy circumstances. When you include the Magnificat in your prayer for lighting the third advent candles, you join with Mary in celebrating God’s faithfulness.
You can read the entire passage or just a few verses. Follow it with a moment of silence. Then say the closing prayer together.
Symbolism Of The Advent Wreath
Understanding the symbols deepens your prayer experience. The wreath itself is a circle, representing God’s eternal love. The evergreens symbolize life that does not fade. The candles represent Christ as the light of the world.
Each candle has a meaning:
- First candle: Hope
- Second candle: Peace
- Third candle: Joy
- Fourth candle: Love
The growing light each week shows that Christ’s coming draws nearer. By the third week, three candles burn together. This increasing brightness reminds you that joy is not distant. It is already present in your waiting.
Involving Children In The Ceremony
Children learn best by doing. Let them help light the candles with supervision. Give them a small role like holding the match or reading a line of the prayer. Ask them what they think joy means. Their answers might surprise you.
You can also use a children’s version of the prayer for lighting the third advent candles. Here is one example:
“Dear God, thank you for the pink candle. It reminds us to be happy because Jesus is coming soon. Help us share joy with our family and friends. Amen.”
Keep it simple. Children do not need long theological explanations. They understand joy better than most adults.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Many people make small errors when lighting the Advent wreath. Here are a few to watch for.
- Forgetting to light the previous candles – Always light the first two candles before the third. The wreath should show progression.
- Using the wrong color candle – The third candle must be pink or rose. Using purple changes the meaning.
- Rushing the prayer – Take your time. The prayer for lighting the third advent candles is meant to be reflective, not rushed.
- Ignoring fire safety – Keep the wreath away from curtains and flammable items. Never leave burning candles unattended.
Avoid these pitfalls to keep your ceremony safe and meaningful.
Adjusting For Different Traditions
Not all Christian traditions use the Advent wreath the same way. Some light all four candles on each Sunday. Others light only the candle for that week. Some use a white center candle for Christmas Eve. Adapt the prayer for lighting the third advent candles to fit your specific tradition.
If you are Catholic, you might include the “O Antiphons” later in the week. If you are Protestant, you might focus more on scripture reading. The core meaning remains the same: joy in anticipation.
Creating A Joyful Atmosphere
The third week of Advent calls for celebration. You can enhance your ceremony with small touches.
- Play soft instrumental music before and after the prayer
- Use a pink tablecloth or napkins
- Serve a special dessert after the meal
- Light a scented candle with a festive fragrance
These additions do not replace the prayer for lighting the third advent candles. They support it. The goal is to make the experience memorable and joyful.
Writing Your Own Prayer
You do not have to use a pre-written prayer. Writing your own can be more personal. Start with thanksgiving. Mention the specific joys in your life. Ask God to help you share joy with others. End with a request for a prepared heart.
Here is a simple structure:
- Address God
- Thank Him for joy
- Ask for help in sharing joy
- Request preparation for Christmas
- Close in Jesus name
Your personal prayer for lighting the third advent candles will carry more meaning for your family. Do not worry about making it perfect. God cares about your heart, not your eloquence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a white candle instead of pink for the third week?
A: Tradition calls for pink or rose. White is used for the Christ candle on Christmas Eve. Stick with pink if you want to follow the historic pattern.
Q: What if I forget to light the candle on Sunday?
A: Light it on Monday instead. The exact day matters less than the intention. Just continue the weekly pattern from there.
Q: Is there a specific prayer for lighting the third advent candles in the Catholic Church?
A: The Catholic Church provides options in the Book of Blessings. You can also use the prayers in this article. They align with Catholic teaching.
Q: How long should the candle burn?
A: Let it burn through the meal or prayer time. At least 20-30 minutes is typical. Never leave it unattended.
Q: Can I use an electric Advent wreath?
A: Yes, electric wreaths are safe and practical, especially with children or pets. The symbolism remains the same.
Final Thoughts On The Third Candle
The third Sunday of Advent is a gift. It breaks the solemnity of the season with a burst of joy. Your prayer for lighting the third advent candles should reflect that shift. Let the pink candle remind you that God’s promises bring gladness.
Do not overcomplicate the ceremony. Simple words spoken with faith carry more weight than elaborate rituals. The flame of the third candle joins the first two, creating more light. That light points to Christ, the true source of joy.
As you extinguish the candle at the end of your gathering, carry that joy into the rest of your week. Let it shape your words and actions. Advent is a season of waiting, but it is also a season of rejoicing. The third candle holds both truths together.
May your Advent wreath bring your family closer to God and to each other. May the prayer for lighting the third advent candles become a cherished tradition in your home. And may the joy of the Lord be your strength as you prepare for Christmas.