The Cradle, Cross, and Crown: Rediscover the True Christmas Story

by Billy Graham

How can we stay focused on the true meaning of Christmas amidst so much distraction during the holidays? Beloved preacher and evangelist Billy Graham invites you to celebrate Christmas and the birth and life of Christ through a new perspective—the cradle, cross, and crown.

The biblical Christmas message is so often lost in the busyness and commercialism of the holiday season—holiday parties, family get-togethers, and the pressure to spend excessively on loved ones. How and where can we experience and share Christ at Christmas?

Drawing from a lifetime of writings and sermons, world-renowned preacher and author Billy Graham helps us slow down and focus on Jesus by taking us back to the time when heaven descended to earth to the place where Christ was born.

This classic Christmas message includes

Excerpts from This Christmas NightScriptural accounts of Christ’s birthFavorite Christmas carolsBeautiful poetry by Billy Graham's wife, Ruth Bell GrahamUse this message of hope to point you and your family toward Jesus this Christmas. And give it as a gift to your friends, loved ones, or complete strangers. Experience Christ this Christmas through The Cradle, Cross, and Crown.

Genres: Christmas, Nonfiction, Christian, Religion

64 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 30, 2014

About the author

Billy Graham was an American evangelical Christian evangelist and an ordained Southern Baptist minister. Graham is best known for his evangelistic missions or “Crusades.” He believed God knew no borders or nationalities. Throughout his career, Graham preached to millions around the world. He met and prayed with every U. S. president from Dwight Eisenhower to Barack Obama.

Graham authored 34 books, including his memoir, Just As I Am. In 1983, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Ronald Reagan. In 1996, Graham and his wife, Ruth, received the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest award Congress can bestow on a private citizen.

Graham married Wheaton College classmate Ruth Bell Graham in 1943. They had five children ( Ruth Graham, Gigi Graham Tchividjian, Anne Graham Lotz, Nelson, & Franklin Graham) and made their home in the mountains of North Carolina. They were married for 64 years before Ruth’s death in 2007. Graham died from natural causes on February 21, 2018, at his home in Montreat, North Carolina, at the age of 99.

Reviews

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

"He was the only person that's ever been born in history who was born with the purpose of dying." <3

[Jessica Muller · Rating 5 out of 5]

For obvious reasons, a beautiful story. A great read during the Christmas season.

[Crystal Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice little read! Some good thoughts in the connections between Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection, and second coming, a quick, thoughtful read for anyone wanting to focus on the true meaning of Christmas.

[Kaitlin Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gloried and adored, but mostly...I wept. More than beautiful, He who saved us. And beautifully shown in this text.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book that can be read during any season but is particularly suitable for the Christmas season. This book is broken down into three sections: each one focused on on specific aspect of Christ’s birth, crucifixion and second coming.

Easy to read and can be finished in about an hour or less.

[Brian Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book(let) is a fresh enjoyable read. The message is layered with poems from Ruth Graham and what I liked most is that it also has four well know Christmas Hymns from the 1700 & 1800's. As expected from Graham a salvation message is nicely presented in the middle.

[Rosie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This concise booklet takes passages from Billy Graham's previous Christmas writings to create an explanation of what the purpose of Christmas is all about. Also included are lyrics to traditional Christmas carols, quotes from various writers, and poetry written by Ruth Graham.

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got this as a lovely Christmas gift. It's a quick little read that is perfect for Christmas time or really any time, but, I would recommend not just sitting down and just plowing through it. I read it over a period of several days and rather enjoyed taking my time with it. This gave me a chance to think about what I was reading, look up some verses, and all around just enjoy the palm size book. My favorite were the poems and carols, I truly enjoyed reading them. I will be saving this to read again, closer to the Christmas season. It might be a yearly thing.

[Troy Nevitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple message. Mostly excerpts of other works with a few pages of Dr. Graham scattered in between. It's simply a message about the gospel the way that he would do so at his crucades. Not a bad book, but isn't much past a deeper tract that may bode well near Christmas or when someone knows about Christian culture.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meaningful commentary, poetry, musical verse, and quotes joined together to express God's great love and gift of His son, Jesus, to bring redemption to anyone who receives and accepts His gift. I found this book soothed my spirit removing the holiday hype and helping me to focus on the true joy and meaning of Christmas.

[Jim Glidewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Help for Celebrating the Reality of Christmas

This booklet gathers a variety of scriptures, songs, poems, and thoughts that can help us reflect on God's Great Gift. The 'cradle' in Bethlehem was just the first step to the Cross which opened the way to the eternal Crown.

[Mona Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blessed Assurance That Jesus is Our King

In a few short pages you can learn the joy miracle of Jesus' birth, sacrifice and His glory yet to come. You too can be redeemed.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice read--particularly when one is the middle of mass materialism during the Christmas season.

[SKP · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really lovely Advent devotional. You can’t do any better than Billy Graham for inspiration.

[Vicen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brief Devotional Book

Examines the theme from a variety of Biblical sources. Written in a style appropriate for all denominational readers. Read by me over several days as a part of my daily devotions.

[Barb Hegreberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect read for Easter (or Christmas)!

What a delightful little book. It combines poetry, scripture, hymns, quotes, and of course, the words of Billy Graham. it was written as a "Christmas" book, but I found that it is just as relevant as an Easter read

[Skip Tribby · Rating 5 out of 5]

With all that is going on in the world today and the division we are facing in the United States, this is a book that restores your faith and hope that God is sovereign. He loves mankind so much so that He sent His Son to take upon Himself our sins so that we may b reconciled with God.

[Candace Poste · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love

This book fills the reader with hope for a world in turmoil. A world filled with hate and rest. It leaves you with the feeling that yes God is in charge and always has been. But how his heart must ache for the way his children are living. I chose this book because I love ,Billy Graham and have a great deal of respect for a man that has done such wonderful work here on earth for our dear Lord. God Bless and keep you always.

[Kymberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent small short read on the prophesies and fulfillment of Jesus. God has truly blessed me. The only negative was just want more and positive that it was straight to the point. Pleased pray.

[J Layne]

Christmas poems, readings, etc.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good read. Good reminder of what Christmas is all about!