Behold & Amen (Christmas Eve 2025)

Christmas invites us to examine what we're truly looking at, because what we behold shapes who we become. The story of Mary and the angel Gabriel reveals a profound truth about faith and fear. When Gabriel appeared with news that would change everything, Mary's first response was fear - not because God was absent, but because He was powerfully present and interrupting her plans. Fear often grows when our vision becomes too small, focusing on the cost, confusion, and consequences rather than God's character and promises. Gabriel didn't scold Mary for her fear but reframed her vision with two transformative words: Do not be afraid and Behold. He called her to see beyond herself and her circumstances to see Jesus - the Son of the Most High whose kingdom would never end.This principle of becoming what we behold affects every aspect of our lives. In our visually stimulating culture, we're constantly bombarded with images that shape our thoughts, emotions, and actions. When we behold Christ daily, our faith grows and we're transformed. Mary's response became a model for us all: I am the servant of the Lord, let it be to me according to your word. Christmas isn't about adding Jesus to our lives, but reframing our entire existence around Him.