The Cradle, The Cross, And The Crown

(This message was originally published on December 11, 2014) "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:5-11 ESV)

The Billy Graham Association produced a resource that I enjoyed reading through this Christmas season, The Cradle, The Cross, and the Crown.

You can find a condensed version on their website at: http://billygraham.org/decision-magazine/december-2014/the-cradle-the-cross-and-the-crown/

You can find the booklet at various online booksellers as well.

In Philippians 2, in this tremendous Christological passage of Scripture, we are reminded to consider the Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown of Christ.

In the Cradle, we are reminded of Christ Jesus humbling Himself, being born in the likeness of men. It makes me consider that the Lord of the universe was willing to experience all the humiliation of humanity, learning to walk and talk, potty training etc., just to reach me.

At the Cross, we see Christ display God's love and see Christ pay for our sins. In this season of 'gift obsession', may we keep in mind that "God so loved the world that He gave His only Son..." As my pastor said the other day, Jesus is not only the reason for the season, you are too. Jesus came and gave His life for humanity.

With the Crown, we see Christ exalted at the right hand of the Father. Simply stated, "Jesus is Lord."

In this season that can become so hectic and busy, may we take a Christmas vacation. Take time to visit the Cradle of Christ. But, also take a visit to the Cross. And finally, remember to consider His Crown. Christ is on His throne.

Merry Christmas from all of us at the SBC of Virginia! Thank you for your church's partnership in the Gospel as we work together to plant, strengthen, and mobilize churches.

Click for our latest SBC Spotlight Update: http://www.sbcv.org/articles/detail/sbcv_spotlight_december_2014

Your brother in Christ,

Brian Autry