2-26-22 We Shall Behold Him

We Shall Behold Him :: By Holly Spate Published on: December 16, 2021 by RRadmin7 Category:General Articles, Holly Spate “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). It was, by all appearances, a normal day. It was, by all appearances, expected to be a normal night. People were walking about, taking care of business, eating, drinking, selling, buying. The little town of Bethlehem was bustling with more people than normal due to the census taking place. Luke 2:1-5: “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.” Joseph and Mary had traveled a long journey from Nazareth to reach the little town of Bethlehem. A little town that would be remembered forever… a little town chosen from the beginning of time to be the place where Jesus would be born! Luke 2:6-7: “And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” Jesus is Born! Imagine the excitement, the gratitude of Mary and Joseph. The incredible feeling of holding their sweet baby in their arms… a son, but also their Savior. A gift of love and redemption to them… a gift to the whole world! As Mary and Joseph rejoice, God is revealing His greatest gift to some shepherds nearby: Luke 2:8-12: “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” Imagine being a shepherd on guard that night. While tending to the normal routine of watching sheep, you encounter a sight most have never seen… a beautiful angel appears in your midst with a message that changes lives, futures… the world! And then, within moments of that moment, you see the beautiful sight of not one, but a multitude of angels… all singing the praises of God! Luke 2:13-14: “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:15-18: “And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.” Luke 2:19 shares a glimpse into Mary’s thoughts: “But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.” While Mary pondered at the awe of it all… all she had experienced, the shepherds went forth praising… Luke 2:20: “And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.” The Savior had come! From that moment on, the world would never be the same. From that moment on, those who witnessed in awe, would never be the same. The gift of salvation, humbly wrapped and placed in a manger, given for all humanity, came to earth. The King of Kings, born in a little town called Bethlehem just as the prophets foretold, was here! Micah 5:2: “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” Down to the very last detail, God’s plan unfolded. His perfect will was done. Salvation had come. Hope had come. A bright future had come. What a beautiful moment… a moment filled with many beautiful, awe-inspiring moments. Moments that would be etched on the hearts of everyone aware that night. Truths that would touch and change countless lives throughout all time. Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, is coming again! Hallelujah! Revelation 1:8 says of our great King, “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” Our Savior is returning! And, just like Mary and Joseph and the shepherds that night, we too will one day see Him… face-to-face. We Shall Behold Him… for all eternity! Are you ready? The very best is yet to come! Merry CHRISTmas! spate.holly@gmail.com