From The Cradle To The Cross

From the Cradle to the Cross

December 23, 2012 Morning Service

Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK

Rick Boyne

Message Point: Jesus’ mission to Earth did not stop at the cradle, or even the cross; He will return with a crown.

Focus Passage: Luke 2:1-20

Supplemental Passage: He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming quickly." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. (Revelation 22:20 NASB)

Introduction: Make a few remarks about Christmas traditions and controversies over public Nativity Scenes, etc.

I. The Cradle of Christ

a. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:7 NASB)

b. He was the bright morning star of Heaven laid in a feed trough.

II. The Cross of Christ

a. There they crucified Him, and with Him two other men, one on either side, and Jesus in between. (John 19:18 NASB)

b. And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split. (Matthew 27:51 NASB)

c. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Corinthians 5:21 NASB)

III. The Crown of Christ

a. the first crown of Christ was a crown of thorns

i. “And after twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand; and they knelt down before Him and mocked Him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" (Matthew 27:29 NASB)

b. the second crown of Christ will be the crown of the King of the World

i. I looked, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer. (Revelation 6:2 NASB)

ii. Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and sitting on the cloud was one like a son of man, having a golden crown on His head and a sharp sickle in His hand. (Revelation 14:14 NASB)

Invitation: