The Christmas Story: Born for a Purpose...Continued from page 4

C. Notice The Particular Contrast In These Two Situations. As intriguing as the comparisons are between His birth and His death, the truly inspiring element in all of this is seen in a point of contrast. After the birth of Christ, the angel came and said to the scared shepherds, “Fear not . . . Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:10-12). Basically, they were told that if they looked in that hollowed out piece of rock, they would find the Saviour. But here’s the critical and notable difference. Three days after the death of Christ, the angel came and said to the worried women, “Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come; see the place where the Lord lay” (Matthew 28:5-6). Basically, they were told that if they looked in that hollowed out piece of rock, they would not find the Lord. Why? “For He is risen as He said!” Truly, He was born to die, but He died to live again, and now He is alive forevermore!

F. W. Farrar wrote, “As the east catches at sunset the colors of the west, so Bethlehem is a prelude to Calvary, and even the infant’s cradle is tinged with a crimson reflection from the Redeemer’s cross.” Farrar wrote this specifically of the circumcision of Jesus, but as we have observed these numerous comparisons, we realize that it applies to so much more. As we celebrate Christmas again this year, if you only see the babe of Bethlehem, you’ve missed out. Jesus is not just a son in a manger. He’s the Savior of mankind!

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David E. Owen is Pastor of Piney Grove Baptist Church in Acworth, GA.