“As we think of the babe in the manger this Christmas season, we must always do so in sight of the cross.” I wrote that yesterday, and I’ve been thinking about it ever since. The manger and the cross are linked by one sinless life lived by the Son of God amid all the temptations and assaults of the enemy. The Scripture is clear that Jesus “was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” [Heb 4:15 NKJV]
The Scripture is also clear that the plan of salvation was determined before the world was ever formed … before Adam had ever sinned. [1 Peter 1:20]
Philippians 2:5-11 gives not only the sequence of events, but all the things that are an integral part of what we speak of as “the cross.” The cross of Christ began with the plan between God and the Son before time. Then in the fullness of time – the perfect time – God’s Son came to earth through the womb of a virgin. He lived that absolutely sinless life among us.
“The cross” includes the agony in Gethsemane, when Jesus said He was sorrowed to the point of death and yet set His will through obedience. It included the crown of thorns, the beatings, the stripes upon His back, the nails, the crucifixion, being forsaken by God, and His death. It included the tomb and Glory to God, it included the Resurrection!
“The Cross” included His ascension into heaven where He now sits at the right hand of the Father making intercession to all who come to Him through “The Cross.” And it will all culminate when every knee will bow (in heaven, on earth, and under the earth) and “every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father!”
So when we speak of the cross, we need to remember the total picture, and not just those few hours on a Friday so many centuries ago. We are still in the midst of the work of “The Cross.” Praise His Glorious Name.
