So often in life we recognize the fact that if certain things do not have a specific corresponding thing, then it is meaningless. For example, if you have a car but no engine in it, then the car is worthless. It cannot achieve its intended purpose.

From the very first days of Mary carrying the infant Jesus in her body, both she and Joseph knew that the child was destined for the cross.

It was about one year before the cross that the Master began to explicitly teach about Golgotha (Matt. 16). Initially the disciples rejected the subject but Jesus swiftly (6 days later), corrected them on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matt. 17). He must suffer, die, and rise again.

We are ever mindful of the cross as we joyfully celebrate the first coming of the Son of God. When you look to Bethlehem, seeing the lowly shepherds be the first to come to the birth scene to see the Promised One, and hear their excited chatter as they return to their flock, you must see the shadow of the cross over the manger or you do not understand what you see.

He was born, grew up, and lived for about 32 years under the shadow of the cross.

Everything He did was designed to prepare Him for Golgotha and ultimately the empty tomb.

So, as you sing heartily the joyous carols of Christmas, keep Messiah’s mission in view and give thanks for Him knowing why He came. Thank God we have an Easter and therefore we have a Christmas!