The first Christmas went unnoticed by most of the world. But God made a point of sending out an invitation to a few people. “Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy!” Listen Up… this is important! The shepherds were unlikely invitees, as they were shunned by society and unwelcome everywhere, but when they heard the news they hurriedly went to see the baby. Then there were the wise men from the East. They were not even “believers” anticipating the birth of Christ, but he invited them by placing a star to guide them. They responded by making a long, arduous journey to see the Christ child. It’s easy for us to miss Christmas! Even though the signs, sounds, and symbols are all around us, our hearts can miss the significance and holiness all too easily.

In Scripture, the word “Behold” signals that something important is being communicated, so listen up! The verses below tell us to “Pay Attention!” The prophet Isaiah foretold the birth of Jesus 700 years before it happened. God will come to earth as a baby! BEHOLD! John the Baptist identified Jesus as the Lamb of God. The sacrifice for the sins of the world was fulfilled in Jesus. BEHOLD! John writes in Revelation about his vision of the future when Jesus comes again to earth to rule and reign! BEHOLD! He is the Alpha, Omega, the First, the Last, The Beginning and the End!

Behold, if you let Jesus in he’ll show you the unconditional love of God. He’ll give you peace that passes all understanding. He’ll bring you comfort and unspeakable joy. He’ll bring healing into your life; he’ll give you abundant life, eternal life. He’ll guide you and give you wisdom. Jesus is here right now. Are you paying attention? Behold, the Savior is waiting to enter your heart, it’s up to you to let Him in!

Scriptures – Isaiah 7:14 (ASV); Luke 2:10-12 (NAS); John 1:29 (NKJV); John 19:5 (NKJV); Isaiah 53:5 (NRSVUE); Revelation 22:12-13 (NMB); Revelation 17:14 (GNT); Revelation 21:3-4 (NABRE); Revelation 3:20 (NMB)

Verses – Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (Is 7:14) The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (Jn 1:29) “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to them, and will sup with them, and they with me.” (Re 3:20) “And behold, I come shortly, and my reward with me, to give to everyone according to their deeds. I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.” (Re 22:12-13)

Questions – What immediately comes to mind when you think about the meaning of Christmas? What comes to mind when you think about what you need to do to get ready for Christmas? Are the answers to these two questions in sync with each other or far, far removed from each other? What do you need to do to get your heart ready for Christmas?

Prayer – Dear God, in this season of remembering and celebrating the birth of Jesus, fill my heart with the wonder of your great gift. Renew my mind and refresh my spirit because I want to fully embrace your presence and your glory. Dwell with me, Lord, dwell in me! Thank you for your gift of love, grace, forgiveness, and hope! In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.