“The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’” John 1:29 (ESV)
“Perfect,” said the sweet little voice as she piped purple frosting and sprinkled glitter.
My young daughter was helping me put on the finishing touches for a family party the next day. I had created a Pinterest board for inspiration and showed it to her, and she was instantly hooked.
She scrolled through the photos during car rides and before bedtime. She regaled us with her enthusiasm over new pins. She was obsessed.
The night before our party, she helped me decorate the table and make appetizers, regularly consulting the inspiration board for guidance.
“Perfect,” she declared as she adjusted the napkins under the silverware.
“Perfect,” she sighed as she stepped back to admire the table.
Then she walked into the living room strewn with toys and clothes. “Mama, this room is not perfect. Look!”
And I looked. It was nothing like the Pinterest images. We cleaned it up that night, but disappointment lingered — it failed to live up to the ideal my daughter had envisioned.
Because what you behold is what will take hold of you.
The Bible tells us the importance of this very principle. When Jesus first walked the earth, John the Baptist introduced Him by saying, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).
John wanted people to stop what they were doing to gaze at Jesus. In fact, John 1:29-34 features versions of the word “see” four times in just six verses. “Look,” John was saying. “See the Savior in front of you.”
To behold means to see, observe, gaze at, or contemplate. We’re always beholding, even if we’re unaware.
We behold the shiny purses and glittering things in storefronts, believing, This will make me happy.
We behold the Christmas family photo we posted, hoping to get more likes. This will validate me. Or we behold our imperfections captured in high definition, groaning, This will ruin me.
Behold. Look at the wrong things, and they misguide your life’s direction. But train your gaze on the right things, and they’ll transform your heart’s affections. Because when you stop to behold Jesus, His beauty and majesty will captivate you.
This Christmas, let's pause to reflect: What’s taken hold of us? Are we beholding the Lamb of God?
It’s not too late to make a new tradition this holiday season, to stop the holiday preparation frenzy and prepare your heart to celebrate Jesus.
Behold Him. The One who came to take away the sins of the world so we may find forgiveness and eternal life with God. Gaze upon His beauty. Rest in His presence. And share His hope with others.
This Christmas season, may we become women who behold Jesus.
Father God, open my eyes to behold Jesus in all His glory. May I stop being consumed with the holiday frenzy and become more captivated by You and the beauty of Your Son. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
That dream you’ve been carrying? That story you’ve been waiting to tell? That calling you’ve quietly tucked away? It has always been within your reach. Maybe this Christmas season, the best gift you can give yourself is the training, encouragement, and community to finally step into all God has called you to be as a writer. And with 50% off our annual COMPEL Pro membership this Small Business Saturday, now is the perfect time to invest in your writing journey. A full year of teaching, resources, and support is waiting — all at half the price. Use the code STORY50 to save on an annual membership today, and take the first step toward becoming the writer you’re called to be.
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Asheritah Ciuciu’s Advent devotional, Unwrapping the Names of Jesus, helps readers savor the beauty of Jesus, one name at a time. You can explore her Advent resources — including a set of free, coloring “Names of Jesus” ornaments — right here!
Hebrews 12:2, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith …” (KJV).
Take a moment to reflect: How can you behold Jesus this Christmas season? Ask the Holy Spirit to captivate your heart with His presence. We'd also love to hear from you in the comments!
© 2025 by Asheritah Ciuciu. All rights reserved.
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