In Đardin in Kaštel Novi, the third Advent candle was ceremoniously lit last night, a candle that symbolizes joy.. The service of the word and the ceremony of lighting the third Advent candle were led by Don Gabrijel Kamber, pastor of the Parish of St. Peter the Apostle from Kaštel Novi, while the candle was lit by the Deputy Mayor of the City of Kaštel Antonio Budimir.
The candle lighting ceremony brought together citizens and took place in a festive atmosphere with singing, sweets, and Christmas decorations.
According to the symbolism, the first Advent candle, also called the prophet's candle, represents hope and faith, the second candle, also known as the Bethlehem candle, symbolizes peace. The third, the shepherd's candle, represents joy, while the fourth or angel's candle represents love.
The candle was lit by Deputy Mayor Antonio Budimir, who expressed his pleasure at participating in this tradition and said what the third Advent candle means to him.
- First of all, I am happy and satisfied that I had the honor of lighting the third Advent candle, the candle of joy, and participating in such a program in the beautiful, Christmas atmosphere of the decorated Garden. The third candle, the candle of joy, symbolically reminds us of how important it is to strive to walk the path of joy and contentment, even when our life path is not always the way we would like. On that path, we often encounter difficulties, but by overcoming them, we become stronger and grow. That is precisely why it is important to build kindness and joy in our families, among friends and acquaintances, but also in the wider social community, especially in this pre-Christmas Advent season that strongly calls us to spiritual vigilance and engagement - said Budimir.
The service of the word and the ceremony of lighting the third Advent candle were led by Don Gabrijel Kamber, pastor of the Parish of St. Peter the Apostle in Kaštel Novi, who said:
- Christian joy is not impersonal. Christian joy has a name. And Christian joy is called Jesus Christ. He who is joyful has encountered God. And he who has encountered God can be joyful. Therefore, tonight as we light this third candle on our Advent wreath, we want to draw even closer to Bethlehem and the place where our joy will receive its tangible and effective love that was incarnated in the image and person of Jesus Christ.
- Only the one who truly gives can be joyful. A person who is closed in on himself, who is focused only on himself, who is stingy in both word and deed, can never give a true spirit of joy because he is overloaded, because he is tired of seeking only for his own life.
The ceremony was complemented by performances by the Podvorje and Kampaneli a cappella groups, the Zaninović Cultural and Artistic Association, and the Parish and Children's Choir of St. Michael the Archangel – K. Kambelovac.
In addition to the Advent candle lighting ceremony, those present had the opportunity to view and purchase various festive sweets, decorations, and Christmas wreaths made by students and teachers of Braća Radić Secondary School and Kaštela associations.
Photo: Ivana Topic
