“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” Matthew 1:23
Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” Revelation 21:5
Behold, look, see, pay attention! The word “behold” is used 36 times in the book of Matthew and 25 times in Revelation (NKJV), mostly to highlight a heavenly intervention or wondrous work of Jesus.
Behold is a command, but more than a command, it points us to something worth paying attention to. God became flesh and dwelt among us! In the same way that some spectacular bit of scenery or sunset makes us take in a breath of wonder, this should too. The God of the universe condescended to connect with His creation in flesh and blood for our sake forever. This is the message of love actuated for all eternity for His glory and our benefit, and through His incarnation, death burial and resurrection, He has made all things new!
When the busyness or silliness of the holidays tempts you to forget why all the fuss, consider, look, behold and wonder!