some connections between The Story of Jesus Christ & his life on Earth has some key points, but among the most powerful for us remain his journey from the manger in Bethlehem to the cross in Jerusalem. Today we will look at some connections between these two moments.

Matthew 1:21 “[Mary] will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Luke 2: 10-12 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

-------------------------------------------------------------------- Symbolism of Jesus being laid in a manger: God identifying with the homeless, the poor, the rejected, and the hungry -------------------------------------------------------------------- Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” (Matt. 8:20)

John 6: 51-57 Jesus’ challenging teaching to his disciples and others about the need for them to “feed” on him for eternal life, foreshadowing the Cross and Communion

 Philippians 2: 6-8 6 [Jesus Christ], being in very nature God,     did not consider equality with God something to be grasped; 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself     and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!

Philippians 2: 3-11 highlights the difference between our selfish tendencies and the selflessness that Jesus showed throughout his time on Earth. From the manger to the cross, his mission was to serve His Father.

God’s love for you by My love for you.” Through the manger, Jesus acted in a way that communicated to people who feel far from God: “I want to be with you.” Through the cross, Jesus acted in a way that communicated to people who feel far from God: “You can measure God’s love for you by My love for you.”

Emmanuel (Hallowed Manger Ground) The son of God, here born to bleed A crown of thorns would pierce His brow And we beheld this offering Exalted now the King of kings Praise God for the hallowed manger ground Emmanuel, Emmanuel God incarnate, here to dwell Emmanuel, Emmanuel Praise His name Emmanuel