Isaiah 7:14 & Matthew 1:23 “BEHOLD a virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call his name Immanuel, which is translated, God with us.” (KJV)

Have you ever given thought to the word, “behold?” In the case you have skimmed right over it in scripture your entire life, then welcome to my club. However, when I noticed the numerous times “behold” was used in the recounting of the birth of Christ, I decided to search its meaning. What I discovered was something worth beholding.

It seems the word “behold” means, “To fix your eyes upon a remarkable or impressive person or thing.”

Now if I were to translate “behold” into my every-day, common talk, I might say, “Hey guys, you gotta see this! This is incredible!” And think about it. From the first chapter of Genesis to the last chapter of Revelation, we behold all things marvelous and astounding.

So this Christmas, behold as Immanuel, “God with us,” was born in a manger in the darkness of night. Behold a choir of angelic heavenly hosts who sang to announce to the world our Savior’s birth. Behold as the creator of the universe, the Great I Am, and the Lord Most High walked among us in the flesh!  Behold a Messiah who calmed the storms, walked on water, and raised the dead! And behold a Savior’s compassion so great that all barriers of culture, race, and tradition shattered.

So, as many give thanks for the Lord  this season, take a moment to behold. But as you do, prepare yourself to be perplexed by the magnitude of it all.

Blessings as you behold all things spectacular this Christmas,

Rita Cochrane