Advent XVII (The Pink Candle)

It has been some days since the sun has shined on this place.  Gray has been the color of the day.  Clouds have been hanging heavy in the sky.  Cold enough for coat weather has been the norm.  On such a day I think of my Uncle Alvin.  It is not that he was a man overwhelmed with depression, but instead was one whose favorite song was an old hymn which he often sang, "O they tell me of a home far beyond the skies, Oh, they tell me of a home far away; Oh, they tell me of a home where no storm clouds rise, Oh, they tell me of an unclouded day."  He loved singing that song.  I love the memories he gave to me.   

Somehow, it is a song which seems appropriate in these days of Advent when the banners are furled and the church has it eyes turned toward the eastern sky as it anticipates the Christ returning.  Though purple is the liturgical color for the season of Advent, it has often seemed that gray would have been a better choice.  Advent is not a season for burning ashes, but it is a time when the mood is more somber and contemplative instead of celebrative and joyous.  

It is such a hard season that the Advent Wreath will have within its circle a pink candle.  The third Sunday which came only days ago is called Gaudete Sunday and speaks of a period of relief from the somber nature of the Advent season. It is the Sunday the pink candle is touched by the flame to burn brightly among us.  As the song writer longed for "a home where no storm clouds rise," so does the church long for the land of unclouded day where "no tears ever come again," and His smile "drives...sorrows all away."