Shepherds and Angels

Growing up in a Catholic household, we always had an Advent Wreath in our home that I remember my mom buying new candles for every year.  I didn’t necessarily know the meaning of all of it, but I do remember it being a priority for our family to recognize Advent as a separate celebration from Christmas.

This past Sunday was “Gaudate Sunday” where we share in the joy of Christ’s imminent coming on Christmas Day. We lit the beautiful rose-colored candle and rejoiced in the promise of his coming. According to Dynamic Catholic’s website, the pink candle is called the “Shepherd’s Candle”, and we experience our earthly joy in the pending arrival of Christmas. 

This fourth and final candle of our Advent wreath is called the “Angel’s Candle”, symbolizing the appearance of the Angel Gabriel to Mary telling her she is to bear a son who will be the Savior of the world. This candle represents God’s love for us shown through the gift of his son to the world. How can you make room this week to be sure to focus on God’s love for us? What little thing can you do to create space in your heart for the coming of our Savior next week?  

Stacy LaMorte is a wife and mother of three. She is a personal trainer and is also enjoying her new profession as an ADHD and life coach to adolescents and adults.  She enjoys spending time with her family and her two dogs, gardening, writing, travel, reading and exercising.