I am quite certain that I have never used the word “behold” in my day to day speech patterns. It would most definitely raise a confused eyebrow if I suddenly decided to pepper it into my speaking throughout the day. “Behold, I bought the jar of peanut butter that you asked me for at the store today!”
Perhaps “behold” does not exist in our daily lexicon because, not only does it sound antiquated, but the response/action/behavior that it requires is one that is also becoming foreign to us. To stop what we are doing and give our FULL attention to something? To look upon something with a deep and unswerving gaze? I mean, that just isn’t something that we value anymore. How can we be productive and efficient members of modern society if we aren’t multi-tasking with as much pace as we can muster?
I love photography because it requires the act of beholding from me (though of course I have never thought to use that particular word). I pay attention. I zoom in to find hidden facets of beauty that are not otherwise noticed. As I open up the aperture of my camera’s lens, the tiny details become more and more focused, blurring out all that is surrounding and may distract. Behold, what beauty! Behold, what an extravagant Creator to lavish the world with intricate detail and endless nuanced beauty.
Even as we read through the gospels, have we even been focused enough to take note of the use of the word “behold”? Are we just zipping through the old, familiar stories as part of our tired traditions, or are we seeing them with new eyes and marveling with wonder at the words that illuminate the Word of God who became flesh? Let us listen to the words of the angels and may we fall on our knees, ceasing all of our activities and praising our Creator.
“And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’” Luke 2:10-11
Heavenly Father, restore in us the ability to behold. May the aperture of our hearts be opened that our focus is on You and You alone. May the noise and distraction of the world quiet and blur as we behold You and Your glory.