🌸 “Even in Despair, Joy Is Still There” — Claiming joy as holy resistance and sacred strength.

Even in Despair, Joy is Still There – December 14, 2025 | Third Sunday of Advent: JOY

Bulletin – 12-14-2025

Scripture: Isaiah 35:1–10 | Modern Lesson: Audre Lorde

This Sunday at Holy Covenant United Church of Christ, we gathered in the heart of Advent’s third week to celebrate JOY — not as fleeting happiness, but as holy defiance, resilient hope, and life-giving strength. Pastor Christopher Czarnecki preached a powerful message titled “Even in Despair, Joy Is Still There,” inviting us to reclaim joy as a sacred practice in a world too often shaped by fear, injustice, and weariness.

Worship opened with a vibrant Call to the Heart that named joy honestly — not joy that pretends everything is fine, but joy that rises in the face of injustice and insists on life anyway. Together we affirmed that joy strengthens the weary, liberates the oppressed, and belongs to all of God’s children.

The Candle of Joy was lit by Rev. Windy Allison and Angela Allison, reminding us that joy is an active form of resistance. As the flame flickered, we proclaimed that joy testifies to God’s promises even amid sorrow and uncertainty — rekindling courage, gratitude, and hope within us and among us.

Our Modern Lesson drew from the prophetic wisdom of Audre Lorde, who named joy as rebellion — a fierce commitment to live fully despite wounds and systems that thrive on despair. That witness echoed beautifully alongside Isaiah 35:1–10, where the prophet proclaims deserts blooming, bodies healed, and a holy way where grief gives way to singing and everlasting joy.

In his sermon, Pastor Chris reminded us that joy does not deny suffering — it confronts it with courage. Joy, he preached, is the strength that keeps us moving, the light that refuses to be extinguished, and the promise that God is still making a way where none seems possible.

Music carried that joy with brilliance and depth: a radiant violin prelude of “The First Noël,” the choir’s anthem “Song of the Baptist,” and the congregation’s joyful proclamation of “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice” and “This Little Light of Mine.” Each note became a declaration that joy still rises — in song, in community, in shared breath.

At Christ’s open table and throughout the service, we were reminded that joy is communal — a gift we receive and a witness we share. In laughter, song, generosity, and prayer, we claimed joy not as escape, but as fuel for love, justice, and faithful living in a world still longing for healing.

📖🙏 Order of Worship Highlights:

• Prelude: “The First Noël” — Violin, Mary Tarr
• Introit: “Welcome to This House”
• Call to the Heart: “Joy that strengthens, liberates, and belongs to all.”
• Hymn: “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice”
• Advent Moment: Lighting of the Candle of Joy — Rev. Windy & Angela Allison
• Song of Response: “Light the Candle of Joy Today”
• Modern Lesson: Audre Lorde
• Anthem: “Song of the Baptist” — Choir
• Scripture: Isaiah 35:1–10
• Sermon: “Even in Despair, Joy Is Still There” — Rev. Christopher Czarnecki
• Hymn: “This Little Light of Mine”
• Closing Hymn: “Angels We Have Heard on High”
• Benediction Response: “While We Are Waiting, Come”