Jesus was born to be King, the anointed of God. When he was called the King "who comes in the name of the Lord," the cross was suspended over the cave where he was born. That cave became the sign and symbol of an empty tomb outside of Jerusalem. Jesus" approach and advent into Jerusalem packages for us new life, a new birth, in the Christmas event. (from the sermon for Advent 1) Popular CSS author George M. Bass calls these messages "sermon studies" intended to place the kingship of Jesus in contemporary perspective. Sermons follow an easy-to-preach style. Bass offers countless contemporary stories and illustrations. Listeners easily relate to the messages. Sermons and children"s lessons are for each Sunday from the first Sunday of Advent through the Epiphany Of Our Lord. George M. Bass is professor of preaching emeritus, Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary, Saint Paul, Minnesota. His CSS books include Is The Cross Still There? and Lectionary Preaching Workbook, A, B and C.