The Diocese of Tucson 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. 

"During a time where depression is at an all-time high and people seem to be in the most despair, this candle offers a bright light during a dark time," the Diocese of Tucson posted on Facebook "It is also known as the Shepherd Candle to highlight the joy the shepherds experienced when they received the good news about Christ’s birth (Luke 2:8-20). During the middle of the night, the darkest time, the shepherds encountered angels.”

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 web site 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.