Before and After
9 December 2005, 6 am | Reflection
![[Before - The Nativity]](http://journal.cowpi.com/images/05/before-nativity.jpg "Before scene - The Nativity")
![[After - The Crucifixion]](http://journal.cowpi.com/images/05/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…)
![[image: 'Smiling Jesus']](http://journal.cowpi.com/grafiks/sidebar/smiling-jesus2.jpg "'Smiling Jesus'")
![[Jerusalem Cross with Heart]](http://cowpi.com/journal/grafiks/jerusalem-cross-heart.gif "Jerusalem Cross with Heart")
Comments
honestly, i cannot wait for Lent. i can, but i can’t. it is the most spiritual time of year for me and i start thinking of it right after the epiphany…….
∼ πλ · 9 December 2005, 5 pm · by ~m2~ ¬
It seems that I am never quite in sync with the liturigal calendar. Lately, it feels like more like Easter for me. Maybe that is where I got the idea of before and after.
∼ πλ · 10 December 2005, 9 am · by Mark ¬
I can not help but think of one when I think of the other.
Christmas reminds me that not only was He born, but He Died to save us.
∼ πλ · 14 December 2005, 8 pm · by Fish ¬
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