As we reach the halfway point in our journey through Advent toward Jesus' birth, we pause to reflect on the Joy Christ brings with Him in His first coming, and the joy that is promised at His second coming. It is for this latter joy - "the joy set before Him" - that Jesus endures the cross. This eternal perspective is ours as well, and is the source of joy deep down in our hearts in spite of our immediate circumstances. Joy to the world, the Lord is come. Let earth receive her King.
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