Waiting for JesusНамуна

THE GOOD NEWS OF ADVENT

We often talk about believing and behaving in Christianity, but we tend to overlook the spiritual habit of beholding. To behold God is an act of patient attentiveness. It’s a way to remind our hearts of the remarkable news that he has drawn near to us. It transforms us—because we become what we behold. When the word “behold” shows up in Scripture, there’s a point to be made:

Behold! He is coming with the clouds and every­one shall see him. (See Revelation 1:7, ESV)

Behold! The hour comes. (See John 16:32, ESV)

Behold! I bring you good tidings. (See Luke 2:10, ESV)

Behold! The Lion of Judah. (See Revelation 5:5, ESV)

Behold! I am laying in Zion a foundation stone. (See Isaiah 28:16, ESV)

Behold! I am sending a messenger. (See Malachi 3:1, ESV)

Behold! The bridegroom comes. (See Matthew 25:6, KJV)

Behold! I tell you a mystery. (See 1 Corinthians 15:51, ESV)

Behold! The Lamb of God. (See John 1:36, ESV)

We were made to behold—to gaze in wonder at the Creator—but the story of our lives is that we behold many other things. We get distracted. Advent is an appeal back to attentiveness. So, how can we behold God?

• To behold God is to fix our eyes on Jesus in the Gospels.
• To behold God is to find ourselves in the stories of the Bible, recognizing that any­one who came to Jesus for help is a representation of us. Whether we are blind, hungry, lonely, or crushed by injustice, when we see it and turn to Jesus, we open our­selves to his presence.
• To behold God is to practice stillness on an ordinary day. It’s pausing to remember that every breath we take comes from him.
• To behold God is to lift our minds and hearts to God in prayer.
• To behold God is to meditate on Scripture, allowing the truth of God’s Word to penetrate our lives.

From Genesis to Revelation, we discover a God who is lovingly present with his people. That is the good news of Advent. I pray that you glimpse more of God’s glory and goodness this season. He is with you, and he is worth beholding.

What is most likely to distract you from peace this Advent season? How can you set apart time to be­hold God today?

We hope you are encouraged by this reading plan. To learn more about WAITING FOR JESUS by Rich Villodas click here.