2. 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.

3. 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.”

4. 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.”

5. --------------------------------------------------------------------
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)

6. 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

7.  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!

8. 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.

9. 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.”

10. 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