CHRISTMAS AND THE CROSS

CHRISTMAS AND THE CROSS

". . . I am a King. In fact, for this reason was I born." (John 18:37)

The celebration of Jesus birth has been separated from His life and
especially from His death.
Our Lord's birth in Bethlehem is still a celebration tolerated
commercially and privately. Christmas at the Malls and behind the walls
of churches and homes is acceptable to the present world system, as long
as it goes no further. The cradle, isolated from Christ's life, can be
controlled and kept out of public life. But join the cradle to His
mission and execution and the world reacts.

Yet Jesus did this very thing. In fact, the only time He is recorded in
Scripture as
speaking of His birth was on the day of His death. This reference found
in John 18:37 came in a statement made to Pilate only hours before His
crucifixion. From the political prospective Jesus'
claim sealed His fate. Our Lord, however, in bringing the cradle and
cross together revealed the true reason for coming and cause of His
execution. Born a King He would die to carry out the sovereign plan of
God.

At nine o'clock on good Friday morning it seemed His claim to be King
would die with Him, as He was lifted up on Rome's cross. Nevertheless
this, His crucifixion was not the end, but rather it was the beginning
of His reign. Paul, the apostle, looking back on this hour wrote:

" ... he humbled Himself and became obedient to death-even death on a
cross!
Therefore God exalted Him to the highest
place and gave Him the name that is above every name that at the name of
Jesus every knee should bow. . ." Philippians 2:8, 9

His words to Pilate on the day of His death predicted and confirmed what
His execution would accomplish. The promise of Christmas was realized
by His cross. Together they testify to the truth. Born a King in
Bethlehem's stable cave, He gained the throne at Calvary.

Why? Why would God who created the universe, who rules the universe,
allow Himself to be born a King that had to die on a cross to gain His
Kingdom? Simon Peter tells us why:
"You will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of
Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" 2 Peter 1:11

He was born a King, and died on a cross to establish a Kingdom that
could include you and me. Let us then celebrate Christmas, the coming
of the King while always looking beyond the cradle to the cross that
gained a Kingdom we can enter.

Dr. James O. Rose

Scripture Reading: Zephaniah; Revelation 16

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