/bəˈhōld/ a. to see or observe (a thing or person, especially a remarkable or impressive one) b. to perceive through sight or apprehension c. giving a peculiar vivacity to the style by bidding the reader or hearer to attend to what is said: "Behold! See! Lo!" d. when a thing is specified which is unexpected yet sure
Leading up to Christmas the word “BEHOLD” was repeatedly on my heart & mind. It’s a word that we don’t use in our everyday vocabulary anymore but it was used frequently in the Bible especially by God, Jesus, & the prophets. As a matter of fact, “behold” appears 593 times in the NKJ version of the Bible!
Think about it: “BEHOLD!” — it’s a word that creates emphasis & causes the listener to pause so they can be fully attentive & grasp the full extent & implication of what is about to be shared, even to the point of visually imagining. It expresses that there is something life-altering coming (good or bad) so it is crucial for the listener to contemplate & comprehend each word and take action as a result of what they have been made aware of.
Many times the word behold evokes imagination and causes us to paint a picture in our minds-eye with what is being said . . . It’s more than just listening — it calls you to ponder & consider the ramifications of what is being said because it has a future consequences: something that is not yet seen but will certainly occur.
Throughout the years leading up to Jesus’ birth God spoke thru the prophets to tell His people about the coming Messiah: Behold! Their redemption was coming! Their salvation was near! God did NOT want His people to miss what He was doing through the birth of His Son.
The word behold was frequently used in reference to Jesus’ birth & life:
“Behold, the virgin shall be with child,
and bear a Son, & they shall call His name Immanuel,”
which is translated,
“God with us.”
-Matthew 1:23
“Tell the daughter of Zion,
‘Behold, your King is coming to you,
Lowly, and sitting on a donkey,
A colt, the foal of a donkey.’”
-Matthew 21:5
It’s so easy, especially during Christmas time, to get pulled into the distraction & chaos around us that we forget to stop, remember, and ‘behold’ what God is doing in and around us. Our spiritual sight can quickly be blinded by physical distractions.
And it is much like the days that Jesus was born into: Bethlehem was crowded with people coming from everywhere for the census, it was loud, and the inns were filled. It amazes me that GOD CHOSE for His Son to be born amidst this scene, it’s like He was saying to the world:
“What are you going to set your eyes on?
What is going on around you or what I am doing?
BEHOLD: your salvation has come.
BEHOLD: what I spoke thru the prophets is coming to pass.
BEHOLD: what manner of love I am lavishing on you!
BEHOLD: My Son. Wrapped in cloth & laying in a manger.”
And God does not want us to miss what He is doing today…
“Behold, God is my salvation,
I will trust and not be afraid;
‘For YAH, the LORD, is my strength and song;
He also has become my salvation.’”
Isaiah 12:2
“I am He that liveth,
and was dead;
and, behold,
I am alive for evermore…”
-Revelation 1:18
“Behold, I am coming quickly!
Hold fast what you have,
that no one may take your crown.”
-Revelation 3:11
As I look around during Christmas-time I see how Western culture wants to sell us a very shallow & superficial version of Christmas: one that’s filled with fluffy sayings, spending sprees, sometimes stressful gatherings, Santa, and false expectations. All for one day that comes and goes . . . People sing “It’s the most wonderful time of the year” — but let’s be honest: when you look around it certainly doesn’t feel like that. During the holidays grief & loss becomes more apparent than ever & it can feel impossible to celebrate.
Sadness & heartbreak do not go on vacation, sickness does not take a leave of absence, and pain does not have pity because it’s a ‘holiday.’
And yet, in the midst of all the hustle, I am reminded that Jesus came for the poor, the broken-hearted, the captive, & the prisoner. He didn’t ignore our sin or seek to cover our mess: instead He entered into our broken world to become our Savior.
“the LORD has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
& the opening of the prison to them that are bound.”
(Isaiah 61:1)
We were not created to settle for a sparkly, superficial, & synthetic Christmas that disappoints and leaves you empty on the 26th. That version of Christmas comes and goes with decorations — but the joy that comes from rejoicing in God coming to bring everlasting life is a joy that sustains through the deepest sorrow & most devastating loss.
As I behold the reality of our world’s brokenness it’s easy for cynicism to invade but I am reminded more than ever that THIS IS WHY Jesus came. HE ENTERED into our world, to put on flesh, & experience humanity so He could sympathize.
We can celebrate God’s demonstration of love for us: Him sending His Son to save & redeem. Jesus came to take the sting & power of death so we can have eternal life. The good news of the gospel is for all people, no matter where they are or how they got there.
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
who, being in the form of God,
thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
but made Himself of no reputation,
and took upon Him the form of a servant,
and was made in the likeness of men…”
-Philippians 2:5-7
On this side of eternity we are not excused from the consequences of sin in this broken world but we are redeemed & know that He is working is all things together for the good to those who love Him & are called according to His purpose. While we still feel the weight of darkness He promises that the darkness will not overcome the light. He is the Light in the darkness & our Joy in the sorrow. While darkness & sorrow are still present He gives an incomprehensible peace and unexplainable joy.
“In Him was life, & that life was the light of all mankind.
The light shines in the darkness,
& the darkness has not overcome it.”
John 1:4-5
What a wonderful & awe-inspiring thing to BEHOLD!
“The empty filled, the wounded healed
The broken back together
The poor are blessed, the weary rest
We will dance forever
The blinded see, the chained are free
The doubtful now believer
The outcast known, the orphan home
You are my Redeemer
Behold, Behold, Behold what love can do
Behold, Behold He’s making all things new!
The lost returned, the voiceless heard
The mourner now rejoicing
The mountains shake the world awake
Creation all composing
The sad untrue, the earth renewed
The song has found its singer
The darkness light, the dead alive
You are my Redeemer”
– “BEHOLD” by Taylor Leonhardt