“And if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation has been in vain and your faith has been in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:14
Christmas is quickly approaching. The sale ads are all over and the light sparkle in yards and upon trees in windows of homes. People joyous celebrate this season. There is something that feels…different. Maybe there is snow falling where you are. Maybe it is just cold and wintery. Or, maybe the weather is calmly tropical. It’s not the weather that brings a different feel in the air. It’s Christmas. The birth of the Savior that changed everything.
Our churches are fuller and Christmas Masses in a few weeks will probably be more full than any Mass since, well Christmas 2021. Christians seem to place Christmas above every over holiday. It seems to be the pinnacle of religious celebration.
But, while the baby rests in this crib in the manger, the shadow of the cross looms. In an intriguing quote I once heard, it is said, “that the crib and the cross are made from the same wood.”
“Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil.” Hebrews 2:14
Jesus became a man because of Easter, not for Christmas. I often wonder if Jesus, laying in the manger saw the shadow of the Cross upon Golgotha.
As the season of Advent moves toward this great celebration of the birth of creation’s King, never let the cross pass from your sight. Jesus never lost sight of what was coming – just see the Gospels for proof – Matthew 20:17–19, Mark 10:32–34, and Luke 18:31–34.
“For a child has been born for us, a son given to us: authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace” Isaiah 9:6-7
Keep in mind the true gift of God came on Calvary not in Bethlehem. Don’t lose sight of what Advent and Christmas bring to the world. The promise of Isaiah is that His birth will bring ‘endless peace.” THAT is what we feel in the air during the build up and celebration of Christmas. Peace!
As Jesus made His final preparations for the cross, He reminded us of this promise. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” John 14:27. For it is in the cross and through Easter that we find true, true peace in Jesus. It is in the absolute truth and faith in this moment when the crib sinks into the glory of the cross that we find true peace.
“‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.’ ‘Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?’” 1 Corinthians 15:55
The trumpets sound from the heavens over Bethlehem. The trumpet sounds in victory at Calvary.
“in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.” 1 Corinthians 15:52