THE CRADLE, THE CROSS, AND THE CROWN 

OF CHRIST

  Introduction:

         A.  I want to encourage us to remember three occurrences concerning

               Jesus during the Christmas Holidays: His birth, sacrifice, and exaltation.

         B.  We’ll use three key words to help us remember: cradle, cross, and crown.

    I.   Three occurrences concerning Jesus to remember.

         A.  Christ’s birth represented by the _____________.

                1.  Brief history of Christmas:

                     December 25  is not the birthday of Christ.

                     Wasn’t observed until 325’366 A. D.  

                     Designated to be observed as birthday of Jesus by Bishop Liberius in

                     354 A. D.

                2.  My thoughts are that while we recognize the birthdays of important

                      men and women , isn’t it appropriate for us to remember the birth of

                      Jesus, the Son of God?

                3.  The birth of Christ.  Luke 2: 1-14

          B.   Christ’s sacrifice represented by the _______________.

                 1.  Jesus announced His sacrifice.  Luke 9: 22

                 2.  His crucifixion.  Luke 23: 32-46

                 3.  Why?  I Peter 1: 18-21, 2: 24-25

                 4.  We remember His sacrifice every Sunday.  I Corinthians 11: 23-29

          C.   Christ’s exaltation represented by the ________.

                  1.  God exalted Christ.  Hebrews 2: 7-9, Philippians 2: 9-11

  Conclusion:

           A.   Remember the cradle, the cross, and the crown of Jesus during the

                  Christmas Holidays.

           B.   Poem by Bob Lewis             .