The Manger and the Cross

I love Christmas for all sorts of reasons, but the music is definitely near the top of the list. We’ve got our fair share of goofy jingles, sure — but we’ve also been given these powerful songs that point us to the greatness of God and the beauty of His plan. 

In 2004, Chris Rice released the song, “Welcome To Our World.” The whole song is fantastic, but the fourth verse really chokes me up... 

Fragile finger sent to heal us 
Tender brow prepared for thorn 
Tiny heart whose blood will save us 
Unto us is born, unto us is born 

Not long before Jesus was born, an angel told Joseph that his betrothed, Mary, would bear a special son... 

“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21 NIV) 

At the time, nobody really knew how Jesus would save us from our sins. There was a prophecy from Isaiah about someone who would be “crushed for our iniquities,” but prophecies are usually realized after the event. 

It’s easy to get hung up on the part of the Christmas story that talks about a cute new baby and the glowing parents. It’s pretty neat to envision all the special visitors that came to see this special child and the lavish gifts brought to a baby king. 

But the core of the story is that this child came for a purpose...to save people from their sins. Sin is a world problem and a personal one. No one is immune from the effects of sin. And history proves that humanity has no idea how to deal with this problem. 

Christmas isn’t just a celebration of His arrival — it’s an invitation. The same Jesus who stepped into a broken world steps into broken hearts with healing, forgiveness, and new life. The manger leads to the cross, and the cross leads to an open door for anyone who will welcome Him in. 

So as the carols play and the lights shine bright, remember the deeper wonder: the Savior has come, and He still comes. Let’s make room for Him — in our homes, in our worship, and most of all, in our hearts. 

Gloria in excelsis Deo (Glory to God in the highest!) 

Franklin