Advent Wreaths continue to light the way to Christmas, and today is the third Sunday of Advent and a Shepherd's Candle, the candle of Joy, joins those of Hope and Love.

While in many families, where the Christkind does not bring the Weihnachtsbaum on Christmas Eve, decorating the Christmas tree begins today.

One tradition not followed often in homes these days, but it continues in some churches, is that of the four candles one is pink or rose, while the remaining three are either purple or blue.

Blue is the color for serenity, contemplation and quiet preparation, while purple represents nobility or royalty and marks the coming of Christ the king.

On the third Sunday the pink candle which honors the Virgin Mary is lit as a symbol of the continuing wait for the birth of Christ, and it's known as Gaudete, Latin for 'Freut euch' – Rejoice.

Einen schoenen dritten Advent – Have a Happy Third Advent!

(And 'Einen gemuetlichen Dritten Advent = A 'cozy' Third Advent)

Francine A. McKenna - German Culture Editor

German Culture Site - German Culture Facebook

Avatar: HOHENZOLLERNBRÃœCKE Cologne with CATHEDRAL and LUDWIG MUSEUM. The Bridge a symbol of how Germany was rebuilt after WWII, it was left in ruins, the Cathedral with roots in the 13th century represents the country's history, Museum of Modern Art the present day.