Behold Devotional

In Shepherd Boy, we witness the incredible mystery of the Christmas story unfold through the eyes of an unlikely witness—a simple shepherd. This young boy, whose life is spent in the quiet hills tending to his sheep, is suddenly drawn into the heart of a divine miracle. With awe and wonder, he watches the night sky light up with the brilliance of a star and hears an angelic choir fill the heavens, proclaiming the arrival of a Savior. The shepherd boy's reaction is a powerful example for us. Though he is “just a boy who watches the sheep,” he doesn't let his humility or lack of status keep him from believing in the miracle he's seen. Instead, he is eager to see for himself, to seek out the Savior who has come for all people. This reminds us that God often calls the least likely among us, the ordinary and humble, to be part of His extraordinary story. As 1 Corinthians 1:27 says, “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” Like the shepherd boy, we don't have to be someone “important” by the world's standards to be chosen by God. He meets us where we are. When the shepherd boy finally arrives at the stable, his response is one of deep, reverent joy. Seeing the baby Jesus, he recognizes Him as the “Lion of Judah, the King of my heart,” and is moved to tears. He can't keep the experience to himself; he's compelled to testify. This is the power of an encounter with Christ—it brings true, lasting joy that we're meant to share. Jesus is not just a story of the past; He is Emmanuel, God with us, bringing joy to our lives today. May we be like the shepherd boy, willing to leave the familiar and seek Jesus with open, expectant hearts. And when we find Him, may we respond with joy and proclaim to others that Jesus Christ, the Lord of lords, has come to bring peace to our hearts and to the world.

The classic carol, O Christmas Tree, takes on a fresh meaning in these refreshed words, turning our focus from mere holiday decor to the deeper story of God's love. The Christmas tree, adorned with lights and ribbons, becomes a symbol pointing to Christ, the “light of the world” who came to save us. Each light wrapped around it reminds us of Jesus' sacrifice, illuminating the darkness of our hearts and world. As we gaze at the unchanging green of the tree, we see a reminder of God's faithfulness. In a season where things can feel rushed and fleeting, the tree stands constant, symbolizing the steady, unchanging love of God who “died to save me.” Just as the evergreen tree keeps its color all year, God's love remains steadfast in every season. Christmas calls us to slow down, take in His faithfulness, and offer a prayer of gratitude. The song then transports us back to the night of Jesus' birth, inviting us to join with shepherds and angels in proclaiming the good news. This story—of a child born in Bethlehem, heralded as the Savior—is truly the greatest one ever told. It's a story of joy, hope, and peace for all people, and as we celebrate, our hearts are invited to carry that same message into the world. As you look at your Christmas tree this season, let it remind you of the story it tells: God's unchanging love, His light breaking through darkness, and the joy that came through a baby born to redeem. This Christmas, let the story of the tree inspire you to share the love, light, and hope of Christ with others. And as you do, you'll join in telling the greatest story ever told.

In A Cradle in Bethlehem, we're invited to peer into the quiet, holy night when Jesus was born, when the Creator of the universe chose to enter our world as a humble child. The song paints a vivid picture of a mother rocking her newborn in the stillness, as angels hover near, their voices gently blessing the scene. It's a moment both ordinary and profoundly sacred—God incarnate, Emmanuel, lying in a cradle. The song's tender refrain of “Sing sweet and low, a lullaby” calls us into the beauty of simplicity. It reminds us that God often comes in gentle, unassuming ways, hidden within the humble acts of our lives. Just as Mary cradled Jesus in a simple manger, we're reminded that God can be found in the quiet, intimate places of our own hearts when we make room for Him. As the wise men journey through the dark, led by a star, we're reminded of the pursuit of truth, the willingness to follow God's light even when the way is uncertain. The star that “beckons them” is a symbol of hope—a guiding light in the night. Just as the wise men searched for the Savior, we're called to seek Christ in our own lives, trusting that His light will guide us, even in our darkest moments. The chorus calls us to “Fall on your knees” in worship, echoing the angelic declaration of the night divine. It's a reminder that encountering Jesus demands a response. In Him, the holy meets the human, and we are invited to worship, to lay down our burdens, and to trust the One who came to bring peace to our hearts. “A little child shall lead them,” the bridge says, fulfilling the prophecy that the Messiah would bring a new kind of kingdom—one marked by peace, humility, and love. This small child in a cradle represents the profound truth that God's strength is made perfect in weakness. He does not come with force or power but with gentleness and grace, inviting us to let Him “keep us in storm and tempest,” just as He came to lead and comfort all who seek Him. As we reflect on this scene, let's remember that Jesus came not only to be born in a Bethlehem stable but also in the hearts of those who open their lives to Him. This holy night calls us to respond with worship and awe, embracing the profound simplicity of God's love in the cradle in Bethlehem. May we, too, welcome Him into our lives, letting His presence be the peace and hope we hold close.

In Worth the Wait, the powerful refrain of “Noel” reminds us of the ancient longing and expectation of Israel for a Savior. For centuries, they waited for the promised Messiah, hoping for the One who would deliver them from darkness. And then, in the quiet town of Bethlehem, that promise was fulfilled—Jesus was born, the King of Israel, the Light of the world. This song celebrates God's faithfulness, proclaiming, “You were good, on Your promise.” It's a reminder that God's timing is perfect, even when it may not align with our own expectations. We often find ourselves waiting—waiting for answers, for healing, for breakthroughs—and in those seasons, it can be easy to wonder if God will come through. Yet, just as He did with the birth of Jesus, God is always working, fulfilling His promises in ways that are beyond our understanding. As Romans 8:28 reminds us, “In all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” The bridges in the song invite us into the profound purpose of Jesus' coming: He is the Savior who heals the broken, reclaims what was stolen by the enemy, and brings freedom. This powerful image of Jesus reminds us that His coming wasn't just for those in Bethlehem; it's for each of us. He came to redeem our pain, to restore what's been lost, and to offer us the hope of new life. When we're weighed down by brokenness or feel stuck in darkness, we can look to Jesus, knowing that He came to bring light and life to every corner of our souls. “Jesus, You were worth the wait,” the song declares, capturing the joy of seeing God's promises fulfilled. He is the answer to our deepest needs and longings, the One who loves us unconditionally, and the One who calls us to bow our hearts and lives before Him. The invitation extends to all: “Every heart, come and adore Him; every knee, bow before Him.” Jesus came not just to fulfill prophecy but to transform lives, to give us hope and healing, and to reign as King over all. In this season of celebrating His birth, let's reflect on how God has been faithful in our lives and remember that His timing, though often mysterious, is perfect. When we recognize Jesus as our Savior, we find that He truly is worth the wait—He is our light, our freedom, and our peace. May we join the song of heaven, proclaiming Noel with grateful hearts, as we honor the One who came to be with us and promises to walk with us always.

In the midst of the joyful and bustling Christmas season, it is easy to get caught up in the festivities, the decorations, and the giving of gifts. We celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Son of God, who came to this world in the humblest of circumstances. The song Manger Throne by Phil Wickham beautifully captures the essence of this humble yet profoundly powerful event. The song begins by reflecting on the magnificence of God, the Creator of the universe, who could have arrived with great fanfare and splendor. He could have appeared in the grandeur of royalty and majesty, causing the entire world to bow down before Him. But instead, He chose meekness over majesty, wrapped His divine power in humanity. This choice reminds us of God's incredible love and humility. The King of kings, the Lord of lords, chose to enter our world not as a conqueror but as a vulnerable child in a lowly manger. This act of humility speaks volumes about God's character and His heart for humanity. "Glory be to You alone, King who reigns from a manger throne." This chorus reminds us that even in His humble entrance into the world, Jesus is the true King. He reigns from a manger throne, signifying that His kingship is not of this world, but it is eternal and spiritual. In response, we are called to give our lives, our praises, and everything we own to Jesus, the King who chose a manger over a throne. The second verse continues to emphasize the alternative choices that Jesus could have made. He could have walked into the heart of a powerful empire, revealing His splendor, but instead, He authored a better story in the small town of Bethlehem. He, the Creator of all things, entered this world through the arms of common people. His purpose was clear: to die for our redemption and rise so we can live. This verse underscores the redemptive plan of God. He chose the path of suffering, sacrifice, and ultimate victory to bring salvation to humanity. His birth in Bethlehem was just the beginning of His mission to reconcile us with the Father. "Glory be to You alone, King who reigns from a manger throne." This chorus reinforces the fact that Jesus' kingship is not defined by worldly standards. We are called to surrender everything we have to Him because He is the true King, the King who brings hope and salvation to the world. The bridge takes us on a journey from heaven to the cradle, emphasizing the significance of Jesus' incarnation. He left the glory of heaven to be born as a baby in a humble manger. This act of love is celebrated by both heaven and nature. The bridge also reminds us that even death could not hold Him; He overcame the grave, bringing the hope of eternal life to all who believe. "Glory be to You alone, King who reigns from a manger throne." This final chorus reiterates our commitment to give everything we have to Jesus, recognizing Him as the King who reigns from a manger throne. In the closing tag, we once again affirm that our lives, our praise, and everything we own belong to Jesus, the King who chose a manger over a throne. This song beautifully encapsulates the essence of Christmas: the humility, love, and sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus Christ. As you reflect on the message of Manger Throne, may it inspire you to embrace the humility and love of Jesus during this Christmas season and throughout the year. Just as the world was forever changed by the birth of Christ in that manger, may our hearts be transformed as we recognize and worship the King who reigns from a manger throne.