O Come, Let Us Behold Him

Christmas. What do you think of when you hear the word? Maybe you think of a tree with twinkling lights, presents, or bows. Perhaps you think of snow or certain family members who have always made the day so special for you. Maybe because of unfortunate circumstances, you think of those who are perhaps no longer here to celebrate the day with you. When you hear the word “Christmas”, perhaps you suddenly get a little anxious as you remember the list of things you still have yet to get done before the big day.

No matter what you think when you hear the word, I want help you pause and take a moment to imagine something…

It’s night in the city. Once a bustling city by day, bursting with sounds of people talking, sellers selling merchandise, and where the noise of animals baaing and cooing used to be, there is now quiet. The people have settled into their homes for the night, perhaps enjoying their evening meal or tucking their little ones in for sleep. Whatever the case may be, there certainly isn’t any sleep for some shepherds outside the city gates.

Suddenly an angel splits the night sky with glory and majesty from Heaven. The angel suddenly exclaims to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly thousands of angels appear before the lowly shepherds and begin to praise God Almighty by saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

The shepherds amazed, go and find this newborn baby that has been born to save and rescue every man, woman, and child who has ever walked or breathed on this earth.

My friend, one of my favorite things about Christmas and the Christmas season is we get to take time to behold our Savior. We get to imagine what it would have been like to see the angels sing praises to our God and King. We get to imagine what it would have been like to be Mary and bring forth the Son of God into the world. Most of all, we get to imagine what it would have been like to behold that small baby boy lying in a manger and know it was indeed God Himself, who had come down as fully God and fully man – Immanuel. This boy would grow and one day make a way for you and I to have a relationship with God.

So, come! Behold Him with me! Let us gaze upon Him and remember His steadfast and enduring love that shall reign forever. Let us behold His might and power, remembering He is far above us in both thought and stature. Let us remember His good blessings, joys, beauty and the grace He bestows on us every day.

Let us praise Him for His justice and fairness! Let us praise Him for He chooses to work in our failures and sufferings to bring about His good purposes. Let us praise Him for His holiness and purity; let us praise Him for being our perfect sacrifice who reigns as our perfect High Priest. Let us behold all of who He is and praise Him for it! Praise the Lord, praise the Lord O my soul!

So, how about you? Have you taken time this Christmas season to sit and behold your King? Have you taken the time to thank God for His precious gift of Jesus and for the willingness He had to go to the cross, take on our sin, and offer salvation to every culture, tribe, and tongue? Have you thanked Him for His great love and grace He freely gives to you every day? If you haven’t, take a moment now to thank and praise Him!

"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned." Isaiah 9:2

Alyssa Rasor