![[Before - The Nativity]](http://cowpi.com/journal/media/2005/before-nativity.jpg "Before scene - The Nativity")
![[After - The Crucifixion]](http://cowpi.com/journal/media/2005/after-crucifixion.jpg "After scene - The Crucifixion")
When you think of the first Christmas, do you think of Good Friday?
When you see the Cross, do you think of the first Christmas?
The life of Jesus is the bridge between the first Christmas and Good Friday, a bridge that leads to Easter Sunday, to redemption, reconciliation, liberation, to love, peace, and energy—a bridge to God. A bridge we are invited to cross.
“…and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us.” (Matthew 1:23)
(And He is still with us…)