The Diocese of Allentown recently celebrated the third Sunday of Advent, marking the rapid approach of Christmas time, a season in the Church in which the faithful celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ to earth. 

The third Sunday of Advent is marked by the lighting of the third candle on the Advent wreath, which is pink in color. 

“Heavenly Father, you sent your messengers to tell of the birth of your Son, that people might believe in Him," the Diocese of Allentown posted on Facebook. "Open our ears to hear your call, to repent of our sins, and to seek only You.  Almighty Lord, gracious provider and giver of life, let the anticipation of your birth fill us with overflowing joy.  While we are preparing to commemorate Your Blessed Incarnation so many years ago, we are, with Saint John the Baptist, also preparing for when You come again. We ask You, sanctify this Advent so that by Christmas, You may find us more worthy of Your mercy and Your love.  Amen.”  

The third candle of Advent is called the Candle of Joy or the Shepherd Candle, and is meant to signify the joy of Jesus’ coming, according to the website Christianity. 

The reading from the third Sunday of Advent was about the preparation that John the Baptist made for Jesus’ arrival, found in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 3 verses 10-18.

In the reading, the crowds are asking John the Baptist what they should do in preparation for the coming of the Messiah. He warns them to not take more than is justifiable and for those in positions of leadership to stop taking advantage of those under their jurisdiction. In the reading, John also explains the glory of Jesus Christ, saying that he will baptize individuals with the Holy Spirit and fire. 

Advent is a word that means “coming” and throughout history it has been a season of preparation in the church, including preparing for the coming of the Christ child, the coming of the Magi, the preparation for Christians to be baptized and more. The Advent season has also been marked by 40 days of fasting and prayer throughout Christianity, however, it was not connected clearly to the birth of Christ until the Middle Ages.