It is early Christmas morning, so early that the house is silent around me. As I bask in the beauty of our tree hung with lights and special ornaments collected over nearly five decades of marriage, I am fixed on one ornament in particular that speaks through the ages of Christmas celebration. It is the porcelain image of the Christ-child with the word, “Behold” spelled out above it.
Behold defined: To have in sight; to see clearly; to look at; to regard with the eyes.
With the simple yet elegant beauty of the ornament I am reminded of that dark starry night when some lowly shepherds were visited by a host of celestial beings:
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “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 a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.’
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another,
“Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened,
which the Lord has told us about.”
Luke 2:8-13
As I reflect on the wondrous events of that took place that long ago night, the words of John the Baptist come to mind:
“Behold, the Lamb of God,
who takes away the sin of the world!” *
To see clearly that Babe, who came down to save a world sick with sin, is to behold the grace-filled Hope that continues to hold darkness at bay.
Whatever you are facing this Christmas season– be it sickness, the loss of a friend or loved one, or the discouragement of the world around us . . . find encouragement in the promise given to all who have trusted in Him through the ages:.
“Silent night, holy night
Son of God . . . love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth.**
Merry Christmas, dear friends . . ..
All to His Glory!
*John 1:29
**Silent Night, Franz Gruber, final verse, 1816
HisGlory SM 
Thank you so much for this, dear Kathie … what a gentle and beautiful reminder of the worth Christmas … an ordinary time and place holding an extraordinary God. Emmanuel … God with us!
Sending you and your family warm greetings and a hug from here! ❤️
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Giving thanks with you and for you, dear Heidi. May His blessings abound as we live for, love and serve Him into the new year!
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What a wonderful reflection as we enjoy the quiet after a hectic Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. Merry Christmas, Kathie and Marshall. We are so blessed to know you and love you. John and Ruth
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Back at you dear friends . . .❤️
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beautiful thank you for sharing
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Thank you for your encouragement, Nicki; may the blessings of Christ carry you into the new year!
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Absolutely love that ornament!! What wonderful thoughts you have penned here. As I sat in the quiet of our new home here in London yesterday morning, I could only say ^thank you” to my dear Savious, for giving me the privilege of knowing Him all my life. BEHOLD, to have in sight; to see clearly; to look at; to regard with the eyes…that is the gift Jesus gives to us. To have the sight to see Him clearly. Much love to you this holiday season! xoxo
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The ornament was a gift from one of my first Clients twenty-five years ago. Every Christmas since, it has reminded me of His faithfulness that continues to direct and strengthen our every step. Bless you, dear Liz, into the new year!💝
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Beautifully said…it’s been 23 years since we left Dover, but I feel so Blessed to still have so many of you in my life. I will always treasure those wonderful memories! Merry Christmas to you and your family Kathie.❤️
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Thank you, Leslie! Has it truly been that long? In my heart I want to say, “no way!” but when I look in the mirror I smile and think, “Yep, that’s probably just about right!” Merry Christmas, Leslie!❤️
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