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From the cradle to the cross, from the cross to a kingly crown.

Although Jesus in a cradle with the star of Bethlehem is a prominent image in this painting, it is not as much about his birth as his entire purpose.

The Cradle

In the days of Caesar Augustus a decree was issued that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world and everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.

5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child (though she was a virgin).

6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in clothes and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:4-6 (NIV)

The star of Bethlehem to me, represents the cross before him. The star as painted by artist’s, seem to have a cross within the star that is prominent.
 
 After a brief ministry on earth that revealed the true purpose of Christ’s birth, he was destined to bear our sins upon a cruel cross. Man could not become righteous in their own power, so a savior was needed to prepare us to one day live with a holy  God.

The Cross

44 It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour.                                                                                                      
45 For the sun stopped shinning. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.

46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”

When he had said this, he breathed his last.
 
The Resurrection 

After Jesus had died, a man named Joseph asked Pilate for his body. He took him down, wrapped him in linen and placed him in a tomb. Some women followers from Galilee, brought spices and perfumes for him.

 When they arrived at the tomb on the first day of the week, they found the stone rolled away and his body was gone. Then two angels appeared and told them he had risen. The women went to tell the apostles the news, but they did not believe it.

After this Jesus appeared to his disciples and even ate with them.

45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.

46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 48 and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 49 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power on high.”

The Ascension

50 When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them.

51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.