{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"The Joy of Hope","description":"The Joy of Advent . . .   \u201cTo be rescued from sin\u2019s death grip brings ecstatic joy.   Only when a person recognizes and understands his hopeless spiritual condition apart from Christ, can he fully know the joy that comes with such a great rescue.\u201d    The advent of Christ gives great joy to a heart in need of rescue. That\u2019s why the angel said to the shepherds, \u201cFear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.\u201d  Luke 2:10-11   Jesus is the source of great joy. \u201cThese things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.\u201d  John 15:11   He is the source of joy that is deeper than our greatest sorrows.  \u201c . . . as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.\u201d  2 Corinthians 6:10   \u201cfor in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.\u201d  2 Corinthians 8:2   \u201cThough you have not seen Him, you love Him.  Though you do not see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.\u201d  1 Peter 1:8   He is the source of joy that is better than all the world can give. \u201cYou make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.\u201d  Psalm 16:11   The joy of Christ is poured out in us by His Spirit. \u201cBut the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control . . . \u201c  Galatians 5:22-23   Refuse to trade inexpressible joy for interim moments of fleeting joy.   The joy of Christ is sustained in His presence.   ","author_name":"Crossgate Church Podcasts","author_url":"http:\/\/crossgate.libsyn.com","html":"