1. TBN
  2. Programs
  3. Dr. Robert Jeffress
  4. Episodes
  5. Robert Jeffress - The Cradle, The Cross, and The Crown (Part 1)
Dr. Robert Jeffress

Robert Jeffress - The Cradle, The Cross, and The Crown (Part 1)

December 2, 2025 | 29:0

Robert Jeffress - The Cradle, The Cross, and The Crown (Part 1)
In this episode of "Pathway to Victory," Dr. Robert Jeffress delves into the true meaning of Christmas through the symbols of "The Cradle, The Cross, and The Crown." He explores the significance of Jesus' birth in the cradle, his sacrificial death on the cross, and his eventual return as King with the crown. Through poignant anecdotes and powerful hymns, Dr. Jeffress guides listeners on a spiritual journey, inviting them to experience the depth of God's love, forgiveness, and ultimate victory. The episode culminates in a call to embrace the message of hope and consider leaving a lasting legacy through generosity and faith.
#Jesus #Christmas #LoveofGod #Messiah #VirginBirth #Cross #Crucifixion #Death #Sin #Salvation #RobertJeffress

Closed captions

Show Timecode
Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - The Cradle, The Cross, and The Crown (Part 1) | December 2, 2025
  • ...
  • 00:00:00.633 --> 00:00:00.356
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:00:00.824 --> 00:00:02.525
  • Announcer: from the pulpit of the first baptist church of
  • 00:00:06.729 --> 00:00:09.065
  • Dallas, texas, this is "pathway to victory" with
  • 00:00:09.065 --> 00:00:11.901
  • Dr. robert jeffress.
  • 00:00:11.901 --> 00:00:13.336
  • Dr. robert jeffress: hi, i'm robert jeffress and welcome
  • 00:00:14.804 --> 00:00:16.573
  • Again to "pathway to victory."
  • 00:00:16.573 --> 00:00:18.975
  • The christmas season is in full swing, and yet, with all the
  • 00:00:18.975 --> 00:00:22.445
  • Gifts and shopping and family gatherings, it's easy to lose
  • 00:00:22.445 --> 00:00:26.015
  • Sight of what the celebration is all about, isn't it?
  • 00:00:26.015 --> 00:00:29.319
  • Well, today i'm going to bring us back to the heart of the
  • 00:00:29.319 --> 00:00:32.188
  • Holiday by looking at three symbols that truly encapsulate
  • 00:00:32.188 --> 00:00:36.493
  • The story of jesus we're talking about: "the cradle, the cross,
  • 00:00:36.493 --> 00:00:41.364
  • And the crown" on today's special edition
  • 00:00:41.364 --> 00:00:44.267
  • Of "pathway to victory."
  • 00:00:44.267 --> 00:00:49.172
  • Announcer: now is the time to shine the light of the gospel
  • 00:00:53.409 --> 00:00:55.879
  • Into our homes, towns, and nation.
  • 00:00:55.879 --> 00:00:58.281
  • Through the "now is the time matching challenge," your gift
  • 00:00:58.281 --> 00:01:00.984
  • To "pathway to victory" will be doubled up to $1.7 million
  • 00:01:00.984 --> 00:01:05.121
  • Through december 31st.
  • 00:01:05.121 --> 00:01:06.689
  • Your gift will have twice the impact in proclaiming god's
  • 00:01:06.689 --> 00:01:09.759
  • Unchanging truth on radio, television, and online.
  • 00:01:09.759 --> 00:01:13.329
  • And when you give, we'll say thanks by sending you the brand
  • 00:01:13.329 --> 00:01:16.232
  • New 2026 "pathway to victory" daily devotional.
  • 00:01:16.232 --> 00:01:19.802
  • Let's share the hope of the gospel while there's still time.
  • 00:01:19.802 --> 00:01:23.106
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:01:24.440 --> 00:01:31.714
  • Jeffress: methodist minister monk bryan tells a story about
  • 00:01:31.714 --> 00:01:36.352
  • Driving to church one christmas sunday morning with his family.
  • 00:01:36.352 --> 00:01:40.924
  • His young son asked him a question.
  • 00:01:40.924 --> 00:01:43.126
  • He said, "dad, are you going to allow us to enjoy christmas this
  • 00:01:43.126 --> 00:01:47.764
  • Morning or are you gonna explain it?"
  • 00:01:47.764 --> 00:01:52.969
  • I understand how that little boy feels.
  • 00:01:52.969 --> 00:01:55.205
  • You know, the fact is those of us who are pastors sometimes
  • 00:01:55.205 --> 00:01:58.875
  • Feel the need to overly explain the meaning of christmas, and
  • 00:01:58.875 --> 00:02:03.947
  • There's a reason for that.
  • 00:02:03.947 --> 00:02:05.782
  • We've allowed secularists to obscure the meaning of
  • 00:02:05.782 --> 00:02:08.785
  • This holiday.
  • 00:02:08.785 --> 00:02:10.453
  • Even religionists have perverted the meaning of christmas,
  • 00:02:10.453 --> 00:02:14.190
  • Missing the entire point of christ coming, so there is a
  • 00:02:14.190 --> 00:02:17.894
  • Need to explain christmas.
  • 00:02:17.894 --> 00:02:20.363
  • But today i want us to do more than explain christmas.
  • 00:02:20.363 --> 00:02:23.299
  • I want us to experience it, to enjoy it together, and that's
  • 00:02:23.299 --> 00:02:28.504
  • What we're going to do in the few minutes we have
  • 00:02:28.504 --> 00:02:30.740
  • This morning.
  • 00:02:30.740 --> 00:02:32.408
  • If you were to ask the average person on the street, "what are
  • 00:02:32.408 --> 00:02:36.079
  • The symbols of christmas?"
  • 00:02:36.079 --> 00:02:37.547
  • They would probably answer the candy cane, the christmas tree,
  • 00:02:37.547 --> 00:02:43.720
  • Santa claus.
  • 00:02:43.720 --> 00:02:45.888
  • But today we're going to look at the three symbols that really
  • 00:02:45.888 --> 00:02:50.393
  • Explain the entirety of the christmas story, and we're going
  • 00:02:50.393 --> 00:02:54.764
  • To do more than simply explain, we're going to experience each
  • 00:02:54.764 --> 00:02:59.602
  • Of these symbols through song.
  • 00:02:59.602 --> 00:03:02.905
  • The first symbol of christmas is the cradle.
  • 00:03:02.905 --> 00:03:07.310
  • This is where it all began, at least from a human perspective.
  • 00:03:07.310 --> 00:03:13.016
  • The late designer versace was one time asked if he believed
  • 00:03:13.016 --> 00:03:17.687
  • In god.
  • 00:03:17.687 --> 00:03:19.022
  • He said, "yes, i believe in god, but i'm not the kind of
  • 00:03:19.022 --> 00:03:23.359
  • Religious person who goes to church, who believes in the
  • 00:03:23.359 --> 00:03:26.929
  • Fairy tale of jesus born in the stable with the donkey.
  • 00:03:26.929 --> 00:03:31.267
  • I'm not stupid.
  • 00:03:31.267 --> 00:03:32.935
  • I can't believe that god, with all the power that he has had to
  • 00:03:32.935 --> 00:03:37.507
  • Have himself born in a stable.
  • 00:03:37.507 --> 00:03:40.410
  • It would not have been comfortable."
  • 00:03:40.410 --> 00:03:44.480
  • Versace was right on one point.
  • 00:03:44.480 --> 00:03:47.050
  • It wasn't comfortable for god to leave heaven and come to a
  • 00:03:47.050 --> 00:03:52.188
  • Manger, and yet that is exactly what happened.
  • 00:03:52.188 --> 00:03:56.092
  • The apostle paul explains what christ did in philippians 2
  • 00:03:56.092 --> 00:03:59.796
  • Verses 58: "have this attitude in yourselves, which was in
  • 00:03:59.796 --> 00:04:03.700
  • Christ jesus, although he existed in the form of god, he
  • 00:04:03.700 --> 00:04:08.371
  • Did not regard equality with god a thing to be grasped, but he
  • 00:04:08.371 --> 00:04:13.142
  • Emptied himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being
  • 00:04:13.142 --> 00:04:17.313
  • Made in the likeness of men.
  • 00:04:17.313 --> 00:04:19.682
  • Being found in the appearance as a man, he humbled himself by
  • 00:04:19.682 --> 00:04:24.153
  • Becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on
  • 00:04:24.153 --> 00:04:28.324
  • A cross."
  • 00:04:28.324 --> 00:04:30.159
  • One writer describes it this way, "stepping from the throne,
  • 00:04:30.159 --> 00:04:34.564
  • Jesus removed his robe of light and wrapped himself in skin,
  • 00:04:34.564 --> 00:04:39.569
  • Pigmented human skin.
  • 00:04:39.569 --> 00:04:42.305
  • The light of the universe entered a dark wet womb.
  • 00:04:42.305 --> 00:04:47.176
  • He whom angels worship nestled himself in the placenta of a
  • 00:04:47.176 --> 00:04:52.081
  • Peasant was birthed into the cold night and slept on
  • 00:04:52.081 --> 00:04:57.553
  • Cow's hay."
  • 00:04:57.553 --> 00:04:59.956
  • What is the significance of jesus humbling himself by being
  • 00:04:59.956 --> 00:05:04.794
  • Born in this cradle?
  • 00:05:04.794 --> 00:05:07.296
  • Two things.
  • 00:05:07.296 --> 00:05:08.765
  • The fact that christ was willing to come and to be born under
  • 00:05:08.765 --> 00:05:12.235
  • Such humble circumstances, reminds us first of all, that
  • 00:05:12.235 --> 00:05:16.906
  • God loves us.
  • 00:05:16.906 --> 00:05:19.542
  • He took the initiative in establishing a relationship with
  • 00:05:19.542 --> 00:05:23.446
  • You and with me.
  • 00:05:23.446 --> 00:05:26.082
  • Pastor tim zingsdale tells a story about a 5-year old boy
  • 00:05:26.082 --> 00:05:30.453
  • Named tommy.
  • 00:05:30.453 --> 00:05:32.388
  • Tommy loved to run and play like most 5-year olds.
  • 00:05:32.388 --> 00:05:37.193
  • When he smiled, people said he looked like an angel.
  • 00:05:37.193 --> 00:05:40.696
  • But tommy didn't smile much.
  • 00:05:40.696 --> 00:05:43.266
  • His parents had died a few years earlier and he was in
  • 00:05:43.266 --> 00:05:46.936
  • An orphanage.
  • 00:05:46.936 --> 00:05:49.138
  • One day while tommy was out playing dodgeball by himself, he
  • 00:05:49.138 --> 00:05:53.976
  • Was totally unaware of what was happening right down the street
  • 00:05:53.976 --> 00:05:57.880
  • At a courthouse.
  • 00:05:57.880 --> 00:05:59.916
  • There judge johnson was listening to a couple explain
  • 00:05:59.916 --> 00:06:04.020
  • Why they wanted to adopt tommy to become their own.
  • 00:06:04.020 --> 00:06:07.757
  • They had driven by the orphanage one day and seen tommy playing
  • 00:06:07.757 --> 00:06:11.861
  • Outside and decided they wanted him to become a part of
  • 00:06:11.861 --> 00:06:15.331
  • Their family.
  • 00:06:15.331 --> 00:06:16.933
  • Tommy was completely unaware of what was happening right down
  • 00:06:16.933 --> 00:06:21.003
  • The street.
  • 00:06:21.003 --> 00:06:22.405
  • A decision was being made that would alter the course of his
  • 00:06:22.405 --> 00:06:25.641
  • Life, forever.
  • 00:06:25.641 --> 00:06:28.044
  • You know the bible says that the judge of all of the universe
  • 00:06:28.044 --> 00:06:31.814
  • Before the beginning of time, decided that he wanted a
  • 00:06:31.814 --> 00:06:35.618
  • Relationship with you and he set in the plans into motion, the
  • 00:06:35.618 --> 00:06:40.122
  • Plan by which you and i could be adopted into god's family
  • 00:06:40.122 --> 00:06:44.327
  • Through jesus christ, and that's exactly what this
  • 00:06:44.327 --> 00:06:47.763
  • Cradle represents.
  • 00:06:47.763 --> 00:06:49.398
  • God took the initiative in establishing the relationship
  • 00:06:49.398 --> 00:06:52.568
  • With you to put you into his forever family, here in his
  • 00:06:52.568 --> 00:06:56.572
  • Love, not that we loved god, but that god loved us and gave
  • 00:06:56.572 --> 00:07:01.177
  • Himself as the propitiation for our sins.
  • 00:07:01.177 --> 00:07:05.114
  • The cradle means that god loves us, but secondly, the cradle
  • 00:07:05.114 --> 00:07:09.485
  • Means that god forgives us.
  • 00:07:09.485 --> 00:07:12.555
  • We'll talk about this more in just a moment, but god became
  • 00:07:12.555 --> 00:07:17.093
  • Flesh so that he could be one of us and accomplish the mission
  • 00:07:17.093 --> 00:07:22.865
  • Of salvation.
  • 00:07:22.865 --> 00:07:25.368
  • If you've ever been to hawaii before, you may have heard the
  • 00:07:25.368 --> 00:07:28.938
  • Story about the island of molokai.
  • 00:07:28.938 --> 00:07:32.475
  • The island of molokai was used as a refuge as a place of
  • 00:07:32.475 --> 00:07:36.345
  • Seclusions for those who had contracted the then deadly
  • 00:07:36.345 --> 00:07:40.182
  • Disease of leprosy.
  • 00:07:40.182 --> 00:07:43.152
  • The lepers had to be separated from the rest of the population,
  • 00:07:43.152 --> 00:07:46.722
  • So they were put on this island of molokai.
  • 00:07:46.722 --> 00:07:50.026
  • In 1873, a young dedicated priest named father damien
  • 00:07:50.026 --> 00:07:54.964
  • Volunteered to go to molokai to spend his life serving
  • 00:07:54.964 --> 00:07:58.501
  • The lepers.
  • 00:07:58.501 --> 00:07:59.969
  • When he arrived, he was startled to see people suffering not just
  • 00:07:59.969 --> 00:08:03.639
  • Physically but emotionally and spiritually as outcasts.
  • 00:08:03.639 --> 00:08:08.611
  • They were victims of hopelessness and because of
  • 00:08:08.611 --> 00:08:11.514
  • That, they were given to acts of immorality, drunkenness,
  • 00:08:11.514 --> 00:08:15.918
  • Violence toward one another.
  • 00:08:15.918 --> 00:08:18.754
  • What he saw on that island were people who needed hope.
  • 00:08:18.754 --> 00:08:22.158
  • They had the same questions that many of us have today: is there
  • 00:08:22.158 --> 00:08:25.695
  • A god?
  • 00:08:25.695 --> 00:08:27.029
  • And does he really care about us?
  • 00:08:27.029 --> 00:08:28.965
  • And so in 1873, father damien went to this desolate island of
  • 00:08:28.965 --> 00:08:33.803
  • Molokai to spend his life among the lepers.
  • 00:08:33.803 --> 00:08:37.540
  • He helped him build a church, a hospital.
  • 00:08:37.540 --> 00:08:40.977
  • While he was there, he built 600 coffins as well.
  • 00:08:40.977 --> 00:08:45.715
  • Every sunday he would stand up to lead the worship service for
  • 00:08:45.715 --> 00:08:49.652
  • The lepers, and he always began the service by saying the same
  • 00:08:49.652 --> 00:08:53.222
  • Thing, "my dear brethren."
  • 00:08:53.222 --> 00:08:57.593
  • But then one morning in 1885 at the age of 45, in a calm, clear
  • 00:08:57.593 --> 00:09:04.333
  • Voice, father damien, instead of saying, "my dear brethren."
  • 00:09:04.333 --> 00:09:09.105
  • Began, "my fellow lepers, i am now one of you."
  • 00:09:09.105 --> 00:09:16.712
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:09:17.913 --> 00:09:27.156
  • ♪ hark! the herald angels sing, ♪
  • 00:09:27.156 --> 00:09:31.394
  • ♪ "glory to the newborn king: ♪
  • 00:09:31.394 --> 00:09:35.865
  • ♪ peace on earth, and mercy mild, ♪
  • 00:09:35.865 --> 00:09:40.536
  • ♪ god and sinners reconciled!" ♪
  • 00:09:40.536 --> 00:09:45.341
  • ♪ joyful, all ye nations, rise, ♪
  • 00:09:45.341 --> 00:09:49.945
  • ♪ join the triumph of the skies; ♪
  • 00:09:49.945 --> 00:09:54.650
  • ♪ with the angelic hosts proclaim, ♪
  • 00:09:54.650 --> 00:09:59.522
  • ♪ "christ is born in bethlehem!" ♪
  • 00:09:59.522 --> 00:10:03.726
  • ♪ hark! the herald angels sing, ♪
  • 00:10:03.726 --> 00:10:08.264
  • ♪ "glory to the newborn king." ♪
  • 00:10:08.264 --> 00:10:15.004
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:10:15.004 --> 00:10:21.210
  • ♪ christ, by highest heaven adored, ♪
  • 00:10:21.210 --> 00:10:25.715
  • ♪ christ, the everlasting lord, ♪
  • 00:10:25.715 --> 00:10:30.586
  • ♪ late in time behold him come, ♪
  • 00:10:30.586 --> 00:10:34.957
  • ♪ offspring of the virgin's womb: ♪
  • 00:10:34.957 --> 00:10:39.628
  • ♪ veiled in flesh the godhead see; ♪
  • 00:10:39.628 --> 00:10:44.166
  • ♪ hail the incarnate deity ♪
  • 00:10:44.166 --> 00:10:48.804
  • ♪ pleased with us in flesh to dwell, ♪
  • 00:10:48.804 --> 00:10:53.342
  • ♪ jesus, our immanuel. ♪
  • 00:10:53.342 --> 00:10:57.980
  • ♪ hark! the herald angels sing, ♪
  • 00:10:57.980 --> 00:11:02.752
  • ♪ "glory to the newborn king." ♪
  • 00:11:02.752 --> 00:11:10.860
  • ♪ hail the heaven-born prince of peace! ♪
  • 00:11:10.860 --> 00:11:15.264
  • ♪ hail the sun of righteousness! ♪
  • 00:11:15.264 --> 00:11:19.835
  • ♪ light and life to all he brings, ♪
  • 00:11:19.835 --> 00:11:24.607
  • ♪ risen with healing in his wings. ♪
  • 00:11:24.607 --> 00:11:29.145
  • ♪ mild he lays his glory by, ♪
  • 00:11:29.145 --> 00:11:33.716
  • ♪ born that we no more may die, ♪
  • 00:11:33.716 --> 00:11:38.420
  • ♪ born to raise us from the earth, ♪
  • 00:11:38.420 --> 00:11:42.825
  • ♪ born to give us second birth. ♪
  • 00:11:42.825 --> 00:11:47.463
  • ♪ hark! the herald angels sing, ♪
  • 00:11:47.463 --> 00:11:52.067
  • ♪ "glory to the newborn king." ♪♪
  • 00:11:52.067 --> 00:12:00.176
  • [congregation applauding]
  • 00:12:01.844 --> 00:12:04.947
  • Jeffress: there could have been no christmas without the cradle.
  • 00:12:04.947 --> 00:12:10.186
  • But 2000 years ago on that night, jesus was born, casting a
  • 00:12:10.186 --> 00:12:15.858
  • Shadow over the cradle was a cross.
  • 00:12:15.858 --> 00:12:20.396
  • If the cradle is the beginning of the story, the cross
  • 00:12:20.396 --> 00:12:24.834
  • Represents the main body of the christmas story.
  • 00:12:24.834 --> 00:12:28.037
  • It explains why it is that jesus came to earth.
  • 00:12:28.037 --> 00:12:32.575
  • One writer says it this way: "here's a side to the christmas
  • 00:12:32.575 --> 00:12:36.579
  • Story that isn't often told, those soft little hands
  • 00:12:36.579 --> 00:12:40.883
  • Fashioned by the holy spirit and mary's womb were made so that
  • 00:12:40.883 --> 00:12:44.920
  • The nails might be driven through them.
  • 00:12:44.920 --> 00:12:47.590
  • Those little pink feet unable to walk.
  • 00:12:48.457 --> 00:12:51.994
  • Would one day walk up a dusty hill to be nailed to a cross.
  • 00:12:51.994 --> 00:12:56.966
  • That sweet infant's head with sparkling eyes and eager mouth
  • 00:12:56.966 --> 00:13:01.270
  • Was formed so that someday men might force a crown of thorns
  • 00:13:01.270 --> 00:13:06.442
  • Upon it.
  • 00:13:06.442 --> 00:13:07.943
  • That tender body, warm and soft, wrapped in swaddling clothes,
  • 00:13:07.943 --> 00:13:13.782
  • Would one day be ripped open by a roman spear.
  • 00:13:13.782 --> 00:13:18.087
  • Jesus was born to die."
  • 00:13:18.087 --> 00:13:22.958
  • Paul said it this way in 2 corinthians 5:21, god made him
  • 00:13:22.958 --> 00:13:27.496
  • Jesus, who knew no sin to become sin for us, that we might become
  • 00:13:27.496 --> 00:13:32.968
  • The righteousness of god in him.
  • 00:13:32.968 --> 00:13:36.105
  • Jesus came to take the penalty we deserve for our sins.
  • 00:13:36.105 --> 00:13:41.710
  • There is an ancient story told about a tibetan ruler who had
  • 00:13:41.710 --> 00:13:46.582
  • Decreed that anyone in his nation who was caught stealing
  • 00:13:46.582 --> 00:13:50.419
  • Would have his hand chopped off.
  • 00:13:50.419 --> 00:13:53.789
  • One day an elderly woman was brought before the king.
  • 00:13:53.789 --> 00:13:58.160
  • The king looked at her and said, "you have been charged and found
  • 00:13:58.160 --> 00:14:02.231
  • Guilty of this crime.
  • 00:14:02.231 --> 00:14:04.033
  • You know what the penalty is, but because you are my mother, i
  • 00:14:04.033 --> 00:14:11.941
  • Will take the penalty for you."
  • 00:14:11.941 --> 00:14:15.177
  • And with that, he placed his arm on the chopping block and had
  • 00:14:15.177 --> 00:14:19.315
  • His hand severed from his arm.
  • 00:14:19.315 --> 00:14:22.718
  • You see, if the king had simply overlooked his mother's crime,
  • 00:14:22.718 --> 00:14:28.157
  • He would not have been a just king.
  • 00:14:28.157 --> 00:14:31.727
  • So a penalty had to be exacted and he was the one who was
  • 00:14:31.727 --> 00:14:35.998
  • Willing to bear it.
  • 00:14:35.998 --> 00:14:37.700
  • The same thing is true for you and me.
  • 00:14:37.700 --> 00:14:39.768
  • God is a holy god.
  • 00:14:39.768 --> 00:14:42.871
  • God's eyes are too pure to look upon iniquity, the bible says.
  • 00:14:42.871 --> 00:14:47.609
  • And that's why it is impossible for god to simply look away, to
  • 00:14:47.609 --> 00:14:51.180
  • Look over, to excuse our sin.
  • 00:14:51.180 --> 00:14:53.415
  • If he did that, he would no longer be a just god.
  • 00:14:53.415 --> 00:14:57.920
  • God's decree says the soul that sins shall die, shall be
  • 00:14:57.920 --> 00:15:02.124
  • Separated from god for all eternity.
  • 00:15:02.124 --> 00:15:05.728
  • But god was willing to take the penalty for you and me, and
  • 00:15:05.728 --> 00:15:08.831
  • That's what he did when he came to suffer and die on that cross.
  • 00:15:08.831 --> 00:15:14.236
  • In some inexplicable way, jesus experienced the full wrath of
  • 00:15:14.236 --> 00:15:19.241
  • God so that one day we could receive his blessing.
  • 00:15:19.241 --> 00:15:24.747
  • A famous religious leader
  • 00:15:24.747 --> 00:15:27.649
  • Made headlines just a couple of years ago when he said, even
  • 00:15:27.649 --> 00:15:32.087
  • Unbelievers can be saved.
  • 00:15:32.087 --> 00:15:34.923
  • All who live a just life will be saved even if they don't believe
  • 00:15:34.923 --> 00:15:38.660
  • In jesus.
  • 00:15:38.660 --> 00:15:40.062
  • The gospel teaches us that those who live in accordance with the
  • 00:15:40.062 --> 00:15:43.332
  • Beatitudes, "the poor in spirit, the pure of heart, those who
  • 00:15:43.332 --> 00:15:48.203
  • Bear lovingly the sufferings of life will enter god's kingdom."
  • 00:15:48.203 --> 00:15:53.809
  • If what that religious leader says is true, then the cross of
  • 00:15:53.809 --> 00:15:58.380
  • Jesus christ was totally unnecessary.
  • 00:15:58.380 --> 00:16:02.718
  • What he said was absolutely wrong.
  • 00:16:02.718 --> 00:16:06.488
  • If there were any other way to be saved, then god did not need
  • 00:16:06.488 --> 00:16:09.525
  • To come into a cradle.
  • 00:16:09.525 --> 00:16:10.893
  • He did not need to suffer that excruciating death on the cross.
  • 00:16:10.893 --> 00:16:14.096
  • The reason he did that was the cross represents man's only way
  • 00:16:14.096 --> 00:16:19.701
  • To forgiveness and hope in jesus.
  • 00:16:19.701 --> 00:16:23.739
  • Seven hundred years before christ came, isaiah the prophet
  • 00:16:23.739 --> 00:16:29.278
  • Prophesied of what christ would do for us.
  • 00:16:29.278 --> 00:16:31.914
  • In isaiah 53, he writes, "but he," messiah, "was pierced
  • 00:16:31.914 --> 00:16:37.252
  • Through for our transgressions.
  • 00:16:37.252 --> 00:16:39.354
  • He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening of
  • 00:16:39.354 --> 00:16:42.958
  • Our well-being fell upon him, and by his scourging we
  • 00:16:42.958 --> 00:16:46.962
  • Are healed.
  • 00:16:46.962 --> 00:16:48.330
  • All of us like sheep have gone astray.
  • 00:16:48.330 --> 00:16:51.066
  • Each of us has turned his own way; but the lord has caused the
  • 00:16:51.066 --> 00:16:55.104
  • Iniquity, the sin of us all to fall upon him."
  • 00:16:55.104 --> 00:16:59.641
  • Jesus.
  • 00:16:59.641 --> 00:17:01.443
  • The whole purpose of christ coming is summarized on
  • 00:17:01.443 --> 00:17:05.447
  • That cross.
  • 00:17:05.447 --> 00:17:07.249
  • And today to offer our deepest thanks to god for what he did on
  • 00:17:07.249 --> 00:17:13.355
  • That cross for us, i want us today to sing a special
  • 00:17:13.355 --> 00:17:17.793
  • Arrangement of that hymn, "when i survey the wondrous cross."
  • 00:17:17.793 --> 00:17:24.366
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:17:26.869 --> 00:17:33.642
  • Male: would you stand with me as we sing?
  • 00:17:33.642 --> 00:17:35.577
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:17:35.577 --> 00:17:37.946
  • ♪ when i survey ♪
  • 00:17:37.946 --> 00:17:41.984
  • ♪ the wondrous cross ♪
  • 00:17:41.984 --> 00:17:51.493
  • ♪ on which the prince ♪
  • 00:17:51.493 --> 00:17:55.464
  • ♪ of glory died, ♪
  • 00:17:55.464 --> 00:18:04.940
  • ♪ my richest gain ♪
  • 00:18:04.940 --> 00:18:09.244
  • ♪ i count but loss, ♪
  • 00:18:09.244 --> 00:18:18.787
  • ♪ and pour contempt ♪
  • 00:18:18.787 --> 00:18:22.891
  • ♪ on all my pride. ♪
  • 00:18:22.891 --> 00:18:31.466
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:18:31.967 --> 00:18:35.470
  • ♪ forbid it, lord, ♪
  • 00:18:35.470 --> 00:18:39.174
  • ♪ that i should boast ♪
  • 00:18:39.174 --> 00:18:45.781
  • ♪ save in the death ♪
  • 00:18:45.781 --> 00:18:50.118
  • ♪ of christ, my god! ♪
  • 00:18:50.118 --> 00:18:56.858
  • ♪ all the vain things ♪
  • 00:18:56.858 --> 00:19:00.596
  • ♪ that charm me most, ♪
  • 00:19:00.596 --> 00:19:07.836
  • ♪ i sacrifice them ♪
  • 00:19:07.836 --> 00:19:12.941
  • ♪ through his blood. ♪
  • 00:19:12.941 --> 00:19:18.847
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:19:18.847 --> 00:19:24.720
  • ♪ see, from his head, ♪
  • 00:19:24.720 --> 00:19:28.890
  • ♪ his hands, his feet, ♪
  • 00:19:28.890 --> 00:19:37.099
  • ♪ sorrow and love ♪
  • 00:19:37.099 --> 00:19:42.004
  • ♪ flow mingled down. ♪
  • 00:19:42.004 --> 00:19:49.544
  • ♪ did e'er such love ♪
  • 00:19:49.544 --> 00:19:54.449
  • ♪ and sorrow meet, ♪
  • 00:19:54.449 --> 00:20:02.291
  • ♪ or thorns compose ♪
  • 00:20:02.291 --> 00:20:07.362
  • ♪ so rich a crown? ♪
  • 00:20:07.362 --> 00:20:15.203
  • ♪ were the whole realm ♪
  • 00:20:15.203 --> 00:20:20.442
  • ♪ of nature mine, ♪
  • 00:20:20.442 --> 00:20:28.083
  • ♪ that were a present ♪
  • 00:20:28.083 --> 00:20:33.555
  • ♪ far too small. ♪
  • 00:20:33.555 --> 00:20:39.428
  • ♪ love so amazing, ♪
  • 00:20:39.428 --> 00:20:45.467
  • ♪ so divine, ♪
  • 00:20:45.467 --> 00:20:51.440
  • ♪ demands my soul, ♪
  • 00:20:51.440 --> 00:20:56.244
  • ♪ my life, ♪
  • 00:20:56.244 --> 00:20:59.548
  • ♪ my all. ♪♪
  • 00:20:59.548 --> 00:21:09.591
  • Jeffress: if the cradle represents the beginning of the
  • 00:21:12.361 --> 00:21:15.564
  • Christmas story and the cross represents the main body of the
  • 00:21:15.564 --> 00:21:19.968
  • Story, then the climax of the christmas story is found in
  • 00:21:19.968 --> 00:21:25.907
  • The crown.
  • 00:21:25.907 --> 00:21:27.242
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:21:27.242 --> 00:21:32.414
  • Jeffress: the cradle, the cross, and the crown are three symbols
  • 00:21:32.414 --> 00:21:37.018
  • That truly represent the entirety of the christmas story.
  • 00:21:37.018 --> 00:21:41.656
  • Now in closing today i'm asking you to join us in an
  • 00:21:41.656 --> 00:21:44.626
  • All-out effort to bring this message of hope to every corner
  • 00:21:44.626 --> 00:21:48.530
  • Of the globe.
  • 00:21:48.530 --> 00:21:49.865
  • What could be more relevant or more important?
  • 00:21:49.865 --> 00:21:53.368
  • There's never been a better time to step forward with a generous
  • 00:21:53.368 --> 00:21:57.506
  • Year-end gift because "pathway to victory" is the recipient of
  • 00:21:57.506 --> 00:22:01.676
  • A record-setting matching challenge
  • 00:22:01.676 --> 00:22:04.012
  • In the amount of $1.7 million.
  • 00:22:04.012 --> 00:22:07.516
  • As a result, every dollar you give between now and december
  • 00:22:07.516 --> 00:22:11.119
  • 31st will be automatically matched and therefore doubled in
  • 00:22:11.119 --> 00:22:16.024
  • Impact for god's glory.
  • 00:22:16.024 --> 00:22:17.793
  • The urgency couldn't be greater.
  • 00:22:17.793 --> 00:22:19.928
  • Paul said to the romans, "the hour has already come for you to
  • 00:22:19.928 --> 00:22:23.465
  • Awake from your slumber because our salvation is nearer now than
  • 00:22:23.465 --> 00:22:28.503
  • When we first believed."
  • 00:22:28.503 --> 00:22:30.305
  • Yes, the time is passing quickly, but with your generous
  • 00:22:30.305 --> 00:22:34.042
  • Gift to the matching challenge we will greatly accelerate our
  • 00:22:34.042 --> 00:22:37.979
  • Impact for the gospel.
  • 00:22:37.979 --> 00:22:39.648
  • Now is the time.
  • 00:22:39.648 --> 00:22:41.783
  • Now, stay right there and i'll be back with more "pathway to
  • 00:22:41.783 --> 00:22:44.352
  • Victory" in just a moment.
  • 00:22:44.352 --> 00:22:46.488
  • Announcer: you want to grow closer to god.
  • 00:22:47.856 --> 00:22:50.058
  • You want your faith to be vibrant and real.
  • 00:22:50.058 --> 00:22:52.828
  • What if you could live every day abiding in christ connected to
  • 00:22:52.828 --> 00:22:56.865
  • The vine that gives you life?
  • 00:22:56.865 --> 00:22:59.367
  • Discover what it means to truly abide with the brand new "2026
  • 00:22:59.367 --> 00:23:04.372
  • Pathway to victory daily devotional."
  • 00:23:04.372 --> 00:23:06.808
  • This beautiful tan leather devotional accented with brown
  • 00:23:06.808 --> 00:23:10.045
  • And gold foil features 260 biblical insights from
  • 00:23:10.045 --> 00:23:14.382
  • Dr. robert jeffress.
  • 00:23:14.382 --> 00:23:15.817
  • Now with larger print for easier reading.
  • 00:23:15.817 --> 00:23:18.520
  • Jeffress: jesus said, i am the vine you are the branches, the
  • 00:23:18.587 --> 00:23:22.457
  • One who remains in me and i in him, bears much fruit.
  • 00:23:22.457 --> 00:23:26.728
  • Abiding means staying connected to christ through his word, and
  • 00:23:26.728 --> 00:23:30.565
  • That daily connection produces real lasting fruit in your life.
  • 00:23:30.565 --> 00:23:35.904
  • Announcer: start the year understanding who god is and
  • 00:23:35.971 --> 00:23:38.607
  • What he desires from you.
  • 00:23:38.607 --> 00:23:40.442
  • In spring, grow your roots and become more like christ in
  • 00:23:40.442 --> 00:23:43.912
  • Humility, obedience, and servanthood.
  • 00:23:43.912 --> 00:23:46.681
  • In summer, return to the basics of god's instruction manual for
  • 00:23:46.681 --> 00:23:50.452
  • Living and end the year strongly planted in god's truth.
  • 00:23:50.452 --> 00:23:55.023
  • When you request the devotion, your gift will be doubled in
  • 00:23:55.023 --> 00:23:58.026
  • Impact because of the now is the time matching challenge
  • 00:23:58.026 --> 00:24:01.363
  • Equipping us to reach our nation and world with the hope of
  • 00:24:01.363 --> 00:24:04.533
  • Our savior.
  • 00:24:04.533 --> 00:24:06.635
  • Are you ready to experience a deeper walk with god in 2026?
  • 00:24:06.635 --> 00:24:11.172
  • Request the "2026 pathway to victory daily devotional" today.
  • 00:24:11.172 --> 00:24:15.243
  • Jeffress: the cradle is perhaps the most familiar symbol when it
  • 00:24:18.947 --> 00:24:22.017
  • Comes to christmas.
  • 00:24:22.017 --> 00:24:23.652
  • Perhaps you have a nativity scene displayed in your home or
  • 00:24:23.652 --> 00:24:27.122
  • Outside on your lawn depicting the baby jesus resting
  • 00:24:27.122 --> 00:24:30.725
  • Peacefully in the manger, but that's just a piece of the
  • 00:24:30.725 --> 00:24:34.663
  • Full story.
  • 00:24:34.663 --> 00:24:36.031
  • And next time we'll continue to see how the cross and then the
  • 00:24:36.031 --> 00:24:39.234
  • Crown reveal the true meaning of why jesus came to earth.
  • 00:24:39.234 --> 00:24:43.738
  • Stay tuned for a preview of what's coming up next in our
  • 00:24:43.738 --> 00:24:46.308
  • Series "celebrate the savior."
  • 00:24:46.308 --> 00:24:48.877
  • Jeffress: if the cradle represents the beginning of the
  • 00:24:50.445 --> 00:24:53.515
  • Christmas story and the cross represents the main body of the
  • 00:24:53.515 --> 00:24:57.953
  • Story, then the climax of the christmas story is found in
  • 00:24:57.953 --> 00:25:03.892
  • The crown.
  • 00:25:03.892 --> 00:25:05.460
  • It's a different kind of crown it's not the one jesus wore
  • 00:25:05.460 --> 00:25:08.697
  • On calvary.
  • 00:25:08.697 --> 00:25:10.098
  • It is the crown he will wear when he returns to earth.
  • 00:25:10.098 --> 00:25:14.169
  • Announcer: set your dvr and join us next time for part two of the
  • 00:25:14.169 --> 00:25:17.439
  • Message "the cradle, the cross, and the crown," here on "pathway
  • 00:25:17.439 --> 00:25:21.843
  • To victory."
  • 00:25:21.843 --> 00:25:25.413
  • Announcer: experience the beauty of alaska with the "pathway to
  • 00:25:29.618 --> 00:25:32.654
  • Victory family" june 13 through 20, 2026.
  • 00:25:32.654 --> 00:25:36.858
  • Sail through the calm waters of the legendary inside passage
  • 00:25:36.858 --> 00:25:40.161
  • With dr. robert jeffress aboard holland america's
  • 00:25:40.161 --> 00:25:42.764
  • Magnificent koningsdam.
  • 00:25:42.764 --> 00:25:44.866
  • Be inspired by award winning musician michael o'brien's
  • 00:25:44.866 --> 00:25:48.003
  • Powerful worship.
  • 00:25:48.003 --> 00:25:49.337
  • Share laughter with dennis swanberg, america's minister of
  • 00:25:49.337 --> 00:25:52.507
  • Encouragement, all while exploring frontier towns like
  • 00:25:52.507 --> 00:25:55.944
  • Juneau skagway, and ketchikan.
  • 00:25:55.944 --> 00:25:58.380
  • Jeffress: there's something powerful about connecting with
  • 00:25:58.380 --> 00:26:00.949
  • God and fellow believers in the majesty of his untamed
  • 00:26:00.949 --> 00:26:04.653
  • Wilderness, from the majestic glaciers to soaring eagles,
  • 00:26:04.653 --> 00:26:09.024
  • These moments in god's creation will deepen your faith in
  • 00:26:09.024 --> 00:26:12.560
  • Powerful ways.
  • 00:26:12.560 --> 00:26:13.928
  • Announcer: join us for a spiritual journey through some
  • 00:26:13.928 --> 00:26:16.031
  • Of creation's most spectacular displays.
  • 00:26:16.031 --> 00:26:19.000
  • Don't wait.
  • 00:26:19.000 --> 00:26:20.368
  • Our best cabins are going fast.
  • 00:26:20.368 --> 00:26:21.703
  • Secure your alaska adventure now.
  • 00:26:21.703 --> 00:26:23.805
  • Call ...
  • 00:26:23.805 --> 00:26:26.841
  • Or visit ptv.org.
  • 00:26:26.841 --> 00:26:28.877
  • Jeffress: each of us will leave a legacy.
  • 00:26:31.212 --> 00:26:34.049
  • What will your legacy be?
  • 00:26:34.049 --> 00:26:36.451
  • Your legacy giving can further the gospel
  • 00:26:36.451 --> 00:26:39.054
  • And be an example to your children
  • 00:26:39.054 --> 00:26:41.156
  • About what matters most in life.
  • 00:26:41.156 --> 00:26:44.125
  • The world my daughters and grandchildren are growing up in
  • 00:26:44.125 --> 00:26:47.395
  • Is vastly different than the one you and i grew up in.
  • 00:26:47.395 --> 00:26:51.332
  • The gospel of jesus christ is our only answer, and naming
  • 00:26:51.332 --> 00:26:56.171
  • "pathway to victory" as a beneficiary in your will helps
  • 00:26:56.171 --> 00:27:00.041
  • Guarantee that there will be a trusted ministry that will
  • 00:27:00.041 --> 00:27:03.978
  • Continue to be salt and light.
  • 00:27:03.978 --> 00:27:06.514
  • Like the ripples that emanate from a rock thrown into a pond,
  • 00:27:06.514 --> 00:27:10.685
  • Your influence for christ can keep going on and on after you
  • 00:27:10.685 --> 00:27:15.090
  • Die with a gift in your will.
  • 00:27:15.090 --> 00:27:17.759
  • What will your legacy be?
  • 00:27:17.759 --> 00:27:20.462
  • Only one life will soon be passed.
  • 00:27:20.462 --> 00:27:23.798
  • Only what's done for christ will last.
  • 00:27:23.798 --> 00:27:23.798