JESUS: CRADLE, CROSS, CROWN

And without controversy great is the Mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory – 1 Timothy 3:16

JESUS models the marvellous Mystery of Godliness. The truth that God came to earth in human form is plainly pronounced in God’s Word. Yet, we often underestimate the value of the accompanying events. In the excitement, merriments, and festivities of the Yuletide season, we seldom remember that the story that began at Bethlehem, continued through Calvary, and culminated in the powerful Resurrection, triumphant Ascension, and ultimate Glorification!

In Luke’s account of the story of Jesus’ birth, only one person – the old man Simeon – seemed to grasp the mysterious and eternal nature of the series of unfolding events that God had set in motion. Simeon prophesied: “This Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against.” He went on to inform Mary that a sword would pierce her soul (Lk.2:34-35)!

Simeon knew what many did not: that on the surface little seemed to have changed; underneath, everything had changed. Though Herod still ruled and Roman troops still occupied Israel, God’s promised redemption had arrived. The Messiah was manifested in flesh in the tiny body of a baby, born in the lowliest of places – a manger! We often get so wrapped up in activities and programmes that we miss the immeasurable worth of knowing who the Baby of Bethlehem was. Think about the meaning of His birth: Jesus is Emmanuel – God with us! His birth brought the infinite God to finite man.

Bethlehem was the beginning, howbeit, a significant beginning, of the Redemption Story. The full Story involved the Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown. The cradle without the cross misses the true meaning of Christ’s birth. The cross in turn was the prerequisite to the crown. As you celebrate your Lord and Saviour, Remember your Redemption; remind yourself of the Significance of your Salvation. His long and tedious trip to Calvary must not be in vain. This mystery should also stir up Worship in you, like it did with the wise men and shepherds who came to worship Jesus – God who became Man!