This week’s readings are based on the “Behold” sermon series. For this series, we are looking at what it truly means to BEHOLD, gaze at, grasp, relish, internalize, and rejoice in Jesus Christ. Start beholding right now by giving thanks for this time with God. Then start reading the text and letting it read you.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
Luke 2:8-9 (NIV)

Many Bible scholars believe that these shepherds were, most likely, the caretakers of the sheep for the Jewish temple sacrifices. It was from their flocks that the perfect and unblemished lambs would have been chosen to offer as sacrifices for sin. Ponder this thought today; the shepherds that looked after the temple lambs were the first to see “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). This week, we are focusing on these shepherds and the phrase, “Do you see what I see?” Let’s start with taking a moment to recognize God. Big or small, how has God been present in your life lately? Give thanks to Him today.