26 Devotions Focusing on Christ in the Nativity Alphabet--Behold

Nativity Alphabet artwork by Krista Hamrick

Krista Hamrick’s beautiful original art print, Nativity Alphabet, has so inspired me. Each of the 26 words in the Nativity Alphabet are so intricately painted, almost like stained glass windows. My heart has been drawn to write 26 Devotions Focusing on Christ in the Nativity Alphabet.


While pondering the word, "Behold," I was inspired by Hillsong’s Behold (Then Sings My Soul) …Behold His holy Son, The Lion and the Lamb given to us, The Word became a man that my soul should know its Savior. Forsaken for the sake of all mankind. Salvation is in His blood. Jesus Messiah The righteous died for love It wasn't over For He is the risen One…

Luke 1:31 NASB: And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus.

Luke 1:38 NASB: And Mary said, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Luke 2:10 NASB: But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;

Luke 2:34 NASB: And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed.

2 Corinthians 3:18 NASB But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 3:18 JB And we, with our unveiled faces reflecting like mirrors the brightness of the Lord, all grow brighter and brighter as we are turned into the image that we reflect; this is the work of the Lord who is Spirit.

In 2 Corinthians 3:18, one translation says, beholding as in a mirror another says, reflecting like mirrors. The verb katoptrizo can be translated either reflecting or beholding...

“with unveiled face, beholding” (RSV)

“beholding as in a glass” (KJV)

“reflecting like mirrors” (JB)

“be mirrors that brightly reflect” (TLB)

“we . . all reflect the Lord’s glory” (NIV)

It seems the Holy Spirit intentionally selected a verb that would remind us to do both—beholding our Lord Jesus Christ so intently that we can’t help but reflect Him.

To behold a face in a mirror is to study, to stare, to contemplate. Jesus is the source; we are the glass. Jesus is the light; we are the mirrors. Jesus sends the message; we mirror it…reflecting Who we are beholding. “As He is, so are we in this world”...as we behold Jesus, we are unconscious of the change in us, we are reflecting His beauty, His love for us.

Behold should always cause one to pause and ask, "What is there about which we should take special note?"

Pastor J. Philip Arthur writes, “The word behold is intended to convey a delighted sense of surprise and pleasure: 'Look at this—isn't it amazing!”

Behold (idou) is the second person singular aorist middle imperative of eidon which means to see, perceive, look at. Idou is used as a demonstrative particle that draws attention to what follows. Idou in the middle voice means "you yourself look, see, perceive!" The aorist imperative is a command emphasizing "Do it now! Don't delay!"

Behold (idou) is used by the Biblical writers to (1) prompt or arouse the reader's attention (introducing something new or unusual), (2) to mark a strong emphasis, and (3) to call the reader to pay close attention so that one will listen, remember or consider.

Perhaps you have watched the sun slowly rise over the ocean…one minute it is dark and hazy, the next, the sun has popped out and one “beholds” its wonder as it transforms the landscape, the shimmering waves seem to shout out, "Glory to God in the highest!”

Behold (idou) is a demonstrative particle giving a peculiar vivacity to the style by bidding the reader or hearer to attend to what is said: “Behold! See! Lo!”

Luke 2:34 NASB: And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed.

Many people saw Jesus that day and passed Him by, taking no notice, but Simeon, who had eagerly expected the Messiah, was overjoyed and broke out in praise to God. Simeon had prayed for, hoped for, and waited for this moment. Getting to behold the Christ was the highlight of Simeon’s life, and he shared that joy by proclaiming Christ’s glory and light to those around him. Beholding Jesus can light up our lives as well. We can be like those who must have passed Him by in the temple on the day of His dedication—too busy to seek Him and spend time with Him. We can take Him for granted and miss the blessing of His presence or be distracted by other things in the world. But if we eagerly look for Christ in our everyday goings and comings, draw close to Him through prayer in our personal lives, in our families, our work, our difficulties and trials, we, too, will get a new glimpse of God. Our hearts will be renewed, and others will come to know Him through us.

Heavenly Father, thank You for letting me behold the Savior! I rejoice as Simeon did long ago. Jesus is alive, He has come and is coming again! Lord Jesus, thank You for being a light to reveal God to the nations so that more people can know and worship our Father. Thank You for bringing us out of darkness and into Your marvelous light. I want to shine Your light everywhere I go so that everyone around me will be drawn to You. I may not yet behold You with my physical eyes, but let the eyes of my heart be awakened to reflect You and to rejoice in You today. You are worthy of all of my praise and adoration! In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

 

Look Up—meditate on 2 Corinthians 3:18… pray to see what it reveals about the character of God.

Look In—as you meditate on 2 Corinthians 3:18… pray to see how you might apply it to your life. Be propelled to ask galvanizing questions about your discoveries: "Because God is_________, I will_____________."

Look Out—as you meditate on 2 Corinthians 3:18…pray to see how you might apply it to your relationships with others. Let the nature of God impact on every relationship, for your good, and for His glory.

* If you liked this post, you’ll love this book – Name Above All Names Devotional: Focusing on 26 Alphabetical Names of Christ

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