The Cradle And The Cross

Christmas is a time when we remember the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, our Lord. In the Bible, the cradle and the cross are inseparately linked. At Christmas it is important to remember why Jesus came as baby in a manger. In the Old Testament, Jesus in prophecy is called "Wonderful Counsellor, The mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince Of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6.7). He would rule on David's throne forever in justice and righteousness" (Isaiah 9:7). Jesus came to be King. He also came to be our Saviour. In the vision of Joseph, the angel specifically says "give Him the name Jesus (Joshua) for He will save His people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21). To be our Savior, Jesus had to die on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins. He came "to give Himself as a ransom for all men" (I Timothy 2:6). This is described in Philippians 2:5-11) where it states that He became man and was "obedient to death - even death on a cross" (Philippians 2:8)! Here the birth (He came as a man) and the cross are interlinked. This was the divine purpose for which Jesus came. He came to give His life as a sacrifice for our sins. His attitude in coming to earth as a man was to be compliant to the Father's will. Thus in Scripture the Bible in prophecy records that He would be "pierced for our trangressions, and crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought us peace (with God) was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed". Though "we all, like sheep, have gone astray and each of us has turned to his own way, the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all (Isaiah 53:5,6). Christ's attitude of obedience and submission to God is shown in the cross (Philippian 2:1-5). While we worship Christ as a baby, we are to receive Him as our Saviour and with all creatures confess that He is Lord to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:11). This Christmas will you make room in your hearts for Jesus? Bear in mind that "He came to His own people, but they didn't receive Him. But to all who receive Him, He gives the right to become children of God..." (John 1:11-12). Let me give you a quote from Max Reich which shows how we are to live the Christian life: "If occupied with the world, we become worldly. If occupied with self, we become selfish. If occupied with Christ, we become Christ-like". As we reflect on the cradle and the cross this Christmas, may we become more like Jesus and know His complete forgiveness.