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"From the Cradle to the Cross" "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11)Thank the Lord for those 2 words found in verse 11, "this day." I have a devotion somewhere in my files concerning the numerous times "this day" appears in the Scriptures. Many important events occurred on a certain day which are called "this day." Yet, there was a day when the announcement came: "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." Make no mistake about it, folks, there was a day! A day that Spurgeon called "When the Infinite became an infant."Now, whenever "this day" was, we praise the Lord that Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost. I personally don't believe "this day" was December 25th, but that's another issue altogether.If you believe it was the 25th, that's fine and dandy. Many will argue over the date till they're blue in the face and the next thing we read on someone's thread is name calling from those who believe something different. That's when the whole shebang becomes filled with that UNHOLY SPIRIT.Yes, I know we are to honor and remember His death as the sacrifice for our sins. But without His birth as the Son of man, how can we not remember His Growth as a 12-year-old boy, His earthly life of bringing Glory to the Father, and His daily Going about doing Good?This is what we know for sure: There was a day when Jeus was laid in a CRADLE/manger. There was a day when Jesus was nailed to His CROSS. There was a day when Jesus was raised from the CURSE of death. And we can mark this one down it down as another one of God's promises, there will be a day when Jesus COMES again for us to meet Him along with other saved folks in the CLOUDS. As Paul said, "Wherefore COMFORT one another with these words." (1 Thessalonians 4: I8) Hey, I don't know about you, but I find all those truths to be mighty comforting! Now, with that being said, let's move on.For the past 20 centuries, there have been untold numbers of men, women, and children who have stood in awe concerning the life changing truths of the Lord Jesus and His journey from the Cradle to the Cross. Yes, out of the Ivory Palaces He came, into a virgin womb, and onward to a virgin tomb.People from every walk of life today, who know and trust Him, have rejoiced over the messages He taught, the miracles He wrought, the millions He sought, and the mercy He brought.Stand beside Him as He works His first miracle at the marriage in Cana. Walk behind Him and hear Him speak as never man spake. Watch and behold Him carefully inching along with those steps which lovingly led Him to Calvary. For it was there when Jesus' one time Sacrifice purchased that Red-Blooded Redemption for every whosoever will.At this very hour, His eternal well of joy springs daily within our hearts with that life giving water from Jesus' lips, "I am the resurrection and the life", which reminds each of us that we too one day will have our bodies raptured from off the ground we walk on, or raised from the grave we wait in. On that day, we shall be like Him and see Him as He is.We have the assurance at any given moment or in any given place, with joy unspeakable and full of glory knowing that "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." (Romans 8:1) We stand forever sealed and firmly secured by the Comforter He sent. Oh, what glorious things He accomplished for us. No wonder the Bible says, "...He hath done all things well." (Mark 7:37b)As we journey forward to the days which are given us; let's faithfully continue on with a heart of compassion while singing those Silver Bells of Salvation for lost souls to hear. Oh, that's when those words of Jesus in Luke 19:9 will be heard again, "THIS DAY is salvation come to this house." (caps mine)Oh Friends, Praise the Lord! Yes, Praise the Lord for the Cradle and the Cross, For the Cradle brought God to man, and the Cross brings man to God.