| The Cradle. In the hills of Bethlehem, there is a small cave behind an inn with no room. The place is simple and a bit damp. Some animals mill around and there is noise at a late hour due to the census and the ensuring family reunions and parties taking place. It is some 2,000 years ago. The place is a bit off the beaten track. People have returned to their birthplaces due to the demands of the Roman census. The unhappiness of more taxation is drowned by the pleasure of seeing family and friends again. This young Hebrew couple thought they would have more time, but the time had come. And when that times comes, it comes. Barely off the donkey, young Mary gives birth to her firstborn, a son. Two young people. No one will believe them as to the identity of the father of this child. So, there is some fear. And some joy. They are alone. But surrounded by angels. The stars shine. A child is born. A special child. A child with destiny in his blood. It is a humble setting for God-now-with-skin. Musty. God has taken on humanity. Frail. Humble. Special. Destiny. It is all too much for the parents to take in. They are tired. They are filled with emotion. They crash into sleep. As does the baby. The angels hush and skip a breath. Heaven quakes. Hush now. Shhhh. The baby sleeps. It has been quite a trip, for all three involved in this birth.
The Cross. Five miles to the north of Bethlehem is a city set on a hill, called Jerusalem, the city of peace. The Pax Romana declares that countries, such as Israel, may have a degree of autonomy in practicing their religion and maintaining local customs. But the Pax Romana abhors insurrection or uprising. This year, an agitator has been brought before the two authorities, both King Herod and the local ruler, Pontius Pilate. It is said that the agitator has been causing trouble and, for the sake of the nation, this Jesus must die. He is innocent and pure as a newborn babe. But the agendas of the powerful have been threatened. Back room deals seal the fate of this innocent man. Three crosses go up on a skull-like hill, just outside the city gate, for all to see what happens when the peace of Rome is threatened. Jesus carries his cross to the middle post of the three, where he is crucified. His mother watches and her soul is undone. She has gathered, for some time now, that it was coming to this. And every bad thing, every infirmity, every sin of all time is heaped on the heart of the Savior. This makes his death the most excruciating death in the history of the world. The angels hush and lose their breath. Heaven stands still. The world turns dark. Pitch dark. There is no light. All hope is lost.
The Crown. Three days later, the women come to anoint their king with spices, as per their tradition. The body is gone. Since it had been guarded by the equivalent of today's Green Beret soldiers, it could not have been stolen. One Mary Magdalene is greeted, apparently by a gardener. "e;Where is Jesus?"e; Mary asks. Jesus said to her "Mary."e; And instantly she knew. It was her teacher. Her friend. Her God and her Lord. No tomb could hold him. No darkness could douse the light. Hope lives, when it was thought to be lost. He has risen from the dead, as a living proof, the God has vindicated his life and his suffering on the cross. Death no longer has the last word. Sin no longer must separate us from a life with God. Real life comes from He who is the Resurrection and the Life. "Therefore, God has highly exalted Him, giving Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord." (Phil 2:9-11) The angels sing as never before. Heaven does cartwheels. God's beloved, women, men and children, now enjoy hope, peace and life. And death is no longer the final word. Because of a baby, a Savior, and a God who reigns forever and ever and ever!
May this Advent be filled with visions of Cradle, Cross and Crown.
Rev. Brad Thompson | 
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