THE CRIB - The Cross - The Conquer

Introduction:

Before I was a handyman, I was a pizza delivery boy. One day, I was delivering a pizza to a hospital, and as I stepped into the elevator, a kind woman asked me why I loved Christmas so much. I said, “Because, for one month of the year, nothing seems to matter more than Jesus. Communities come together, everyone listens to the same music, and we all believe in the same Savior.”

But isn’t that what Christmas is about? Isn’t it about the adorable baby in the manger, the angels, the shepherds, and the wise men? Yes, those are beautiful parts of the story. But it’s just the beginning. We must remember: Jesus doesn’t stay a baby forever. He grows from the Crib to the Cross—and one day, He will return as our Conquering King.

Central Idea:

The Christmas season reminds us of Jesus’ incredible journey—from His humble birth in a manger, through His sacrificial death on the cross, to His triumphant return as our Conqueror.

Declaration:

This season, let’s root our celebration in the profound truth of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. Let Christmas be a reminder that Jesus’ journey is ongoing, and His conquering power is at work in our lives today.

Proposition:

The heart of Christmas is recognizing Christ’s journey—from the crib to the cross—and embracing His victorious reign that extends beyond this season.

Purpose:

TODAY, I want to encourage believers to:

Make room for Jesus in their hearts, Share the impact of His love with others, And commit to seeking Him continually, beyond the Christmas season.

Transitional Sentences: As we unwrap the layers of the Christmas story, let’s explore three key truths that often get overshadowed by holiday busyness.

Main Points:

1. Making Room for Jesus

Luke 2:1–7

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Beth-lehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Explanation:

The crowded inn represents how busy and cluttered our lives can be, often crowding out Christ. We must intentionally create space for Jesus

prioritize Him above all the distractions.

Illustration:

Personally, I know how hectic Christmas can be.

With ten family members, trying to plan who visits whom, what to bring, and how to accommodate everyone it’s chaos!

But amidst all that, let’s remember:

The true reason for the season is CHRIST, our KING.

Application:

This December,

set aside time for prayer, reflection, and worship.

Let Jesus have the main place in your heart, not just during the holidays but every day.

2. Sharing the Impact of Christ

Luke 2:8–17

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, Good will toward men. 15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Beth-lehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

Explanation:

The shepherds’ response shows us the importance of sharing the Good News. When they encountered Jesus, they couldn’t keep quiet they proclaimed His birth and the hope He brought.

Illustration:

I’ve seen how Christ’s love transforms lives stories of people who found PEACE, PURPOSE, and His PROMISE after encountering Jesus.

Application:

During this season, be bold to share your testimony. Let your words and actions reflect the joy and hope Jesus offers.

3. Continuing to Seek Him

Luke 2:40–46

40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. 41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. 43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. 44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. 45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. 46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.

Explanation:

The boy Jesus in the temple shows us that seeking Christ is not just a holiday activity. It’s a lifelong pursuit.

Illustration:

Think about how we pack away Christmas decorations, unintentionally “boxing up” Jesus in December. But He wants to be found every day, not just during the holiday.

Application:

Resolve to seek Jesus daily

through prayer, reading His Word, and living out His love

beyond just Christmas.

Conclusion:

As I shared earlier, before I was a handyman, I was a pizza delivery driver. When asked why I loved Christmas, I said, “Because, for one month, everything seems to align—the music, the community, the belief in Jesus.” But the real issue is that many forget that the baby in the manger doesn’t stay there. He grows to be our Savior on the cross, and one day, He will return as our King.

This Christmas, let’s make room for Jesus—not just in our homes but in our hearts. Let’s share His love boldly and pursue Him relentlessly. Because the journey from the crib to the cross and finally to His return is the true story of Christmas.

May this season be rooted in the joy of knowing Jesus—our Savior, our King, and our Conqueror.

Pray

Heavenly Father,

We come before You this Christmas with hearts full of gratitude and awe for the incredible gift of Jesus Christ. Thank You for sending Your Son from the throne of heaven to the humble manger, to the cross, and ultimately to sit in victory at Your right hand. Lord, we thank you that your sons journey from the cradle to the cross is the foundation of our hope, our salvation, and our eternal victory.

Forgive us for the times we have forgotten the full story that Jesus did not stay a baby in a manger, but grew to redeem us and will return as our conquering King.

Lord, today we ask You to help us make room for Jesus in our hearts every day, not just during this season. Remove the clutter of distraction, busyness, and complacency that keeps us from fully embracing His presence.

Fill us with the Holy Spirit’s power to boldly share the hope, love, and joy we have in Christ.

Give us courage to proclaim the good news to a world in darkness, and ignite a passion within us to seek You daily, to pursue Your face, and to live out Your love.

We pray that the reality of Christ’s sacrifice, His resurrection, and His victorious reign would transform every aspect of our lives.

May we never forget that Christmas is about the King who came to save us—who conquered death, reigns in glory, and is coming again in power.

Lord, we surrender ourselves anew to You.

Make us vessels of Your grace, ambassadors of Your hope, and witnesses to Your love.

We celebrate You today, and we look forward with eager hearts to the day when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

In His mighty name, we pray—

**Amen.**