Behold

If you have been reading From God’s Lips this past year, you’ve probably noticed that our family of three took a giant leap and moved to the sunny coast of Florida.  There were many reasons for the location we chose, but there was an additional bonus we didn’t expect.  We are approximately an hour and a half from Cape Canaveral, home to multiple launches to space throughout the year.  It’s definitely a sight to behold when you see the glow of the rockets climbing in front of your eyes, especially when you’re up close.  However, the extra bonus I was referring to is the fact we are able to view these amazing launches from our own back patio, which is definitely a sight to behold!   However, originally, when this word found it’s way into my thoughts, my mind was somewhere else.  I actually could visualize and feel the Christ Child, Jesus, cuddled up in a warm cloth, laying safely in my arms.  You’re probably thinking that’s a huge leap, to go from viewing a space launch to holding the baby Jesus in my arms.   But please stay with me.  The word behold actually appears in the scriptures about 1,500 times (depending on the translation), so it definitely must be a word of importance.  It’s origin comes from the Hebrew word Hee-neh, which means “look!”, “open your eyes!” or “pay attention!” and is usually followed by an exclamation mark.  As quoted in premierchristianity.com, “It’s not a gentle request.  It’s a command.  When God uses it, he’s grabbing us by the collar, urging us to notice something incredible” that we may be ignoring or taking for granted.  So, whether we are beholding the amazing feats of man or recalling the heavenly story of a child wrapped in swaddling clothes, we should strive to open our eyes to all the wonders around us, remembering His hands are in all things!  When God says “behold!”, we should stop, even if for a moment and behold – to take notice of all His miracles.    I urge you this week to sit and be still and hold this word in your thoughts.  Breath in the word behold and let it sink deep within your soul.  Feel the warmth from this babe in your loving arms.  Feel how He warms our hearts 365 days a year, if only we’ll take notice, if only we strive to behold Him.  I hope your journey is as meaningful as mine this Christmas season.

“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.”  Luke 1:31