Beholding

I read the neatest story last week about something said by the author’s young son.

Something cute but profound.

Something said seemingly childlike yet with a maturity some will never achieve.

She questioned why her son only asked to hold his newborn baby brother at the end of each day after he’d been tucked into bed.

The little boy answered with a sigh,

“Mommy, it’s just easier to be holding the baby 

when my feet are slowed down."

Isn’t that just the perfect advice for US this Christmas season?

May we all slow our feet down long enough 

to “behold” the baby.

The only reason for the season.

23 “Behold, the [a]virgin shall be with child and give birth to a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel”—which, when translated, means, “God with us.”

--Matthew 1:23

The definition of “behold” is:

To observe; 

look at; 

see.

Synonyms are:

Regard, 

gaze upon, 

view; 

watch; 

discern.

I don’t know about you, but I can just see that little boy gazing at his baby brother’s face. 

Observing every feature on his sweet expression. 

Watching. 

Seeing. 

Regarding.

None of which could be done on the go.

I recently heard a wise woman ask a room full of praying moms,

“Why am I always looking to see God’s hands 

instead of His face?”

Aren’t we all guilty of that?

So here’s to a season of intentionally slowed feet.

Of gazing upon and regarding.

Beholding.

Rejoicing.

“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.” I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”

Luke 2:10-11

Click HERE to read the entire Alicia Bruxvoort story which appeared on Encouragement for Today as a Proverbs 31 Ministries devotion.