Behold a Saviour is Born

 BEHOLD.  This word is not an everyday term but we do hear it alot in the Christmas narative.  Behold, or a variation of this word, appears approximately 1,500 times in the Old Testament and around 200 times in the New Testament.  It means to look here! Pay attention! There is a message of great importance.

“Behold” is an important word in the Bible. To behold something means to hold it in focus for an extended period of time; to gaze at something with awe and appreciation. During the Christmas season, most people give God only a glimpse. But God wants us to behold something special this Christmas—the Good News of Jesus.    Rick Warren

 

The coming of the promised Messiah was foretold by the prophet Isaiah approximately 600 t0 700 years before Jesus’ birth.  His name tells us this child will be king and have the attributes of God Himself.

 

Isaiah 7:14   Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.   

Isaiah 9:6   For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.      

 

 

A startling birth announcement was given to ordinary shepherds just doing their job on the night shift.  They ran toward the city to find this special child.  When they returned back home they felt the thrill of  a new hope and were worshipping God.

 

Luke 2:10–12   And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

 

 

How fitting that Jesus, our Savior, was born in a manger just like the sacrificial lambs for the Temple worship. Jesus lived with his family until it was time for him to begin his earthly ministry.  His relatives, Elizabeth and Zechariah,  had their own unique birth announcement. Their son John was to be the promised forerunner for the Messiah.

John 1:29   The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

 

Behold -have you examined this good news for yourself? Prophecy was and will be fulfilled because God keeps all of His promises.  The Messiah, our Savior was born as a baby in very humble circumstances and not in the palace so all people could draw near. Because He was fully human Jesus understands all of our problems. Remember this Christmas that God loves you so much He sent His only Son to be the ultimate sacrifice for sin.  The question remains, is there room in your busy life for him? He promises internal and eternal peace and joy despite our current difficulties.  Jesus died for our sins, rose again and is coming back again. He is waiting for us to respond to his loving invitation.

 

Revelation 1:7–8    Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.   “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Revelation 3:20  Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

 

 

 

Come and behold Him this Christmas. We often get so distracted by the celebration that we forget Who the party is for.  Come let us adore Him like the shepherds and find renewed hope. Come let us worship the King like the wise men and allow the Prince of Peace to rule your hearts.