What do you consider to be a good representation of Christmas? The potbellied Santa Claus? The nativity scene complete with baby, hay-filled manger, and donkeys? The iconic Christmas tree? For Luke, Christmas was best represented by a cradle, a cross, and a crown.

A cradle. The angel Gabriel told a confused young virgin that she “[would] conceive and give birth to a son” (Luke 1:31). This supernaturally conceived (Luke 1:34- 35) baby would be Mary’s own flesh and blood. Imagine, the all-powerful Creator in a cradle as a helpless infant, a real baby with a belly button! Mary’s boy child is the human (albeit sinless) son of Mary (Luke 1:31) and the divine Son of God! (Luke 1:32,35). This picture is profoundly mystifying.

A cross. “You will name Him Jesus” (Luke 1:31). Jesus, the Greek equivalent of Joshua, means “the Lord saves” or simply “Savior.” The angel reiterated Jesus’ name in an appearance to Mary’s fiancé, Joseph, and spoke of His mission: “You are to name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Jesus became our Savior “when He was hung on the cross” (Galatians 3:13).

A crown. “The Lord God will give Him the throne of His ancestor David” (Luke 1:32). Some 1,000 years before, “God had promised… that one of David’s own descendants would sit on his throne” (2 Samuel 7:11-13; Acts 2:30). This baby would be born King of the Jews (Matthew 2:2). “And He will reign forever; His Kingdom will never end!” (Luke 1:33).

Santa Claus, Christmas trees, and nativity scenes will be common sights this month. But Jesus is the One we must seek and celebrate. Let’s bow before the Son of God in the cradle, the Savior on the cross, and the King on the throne (Philippians 2:10-11). —K. T. Sim