The Story Behind Francesca Battistelli’s Christmas Song, “Behold Him”

The story behind this song is an unexpected one.

Truth be told, this song was written, recorded, and about to be sent to radio for Christmas 2019, but at the last minute, God put a major check on my heart. So much so, we pushed pause on this song, and on a Christmas EP.

Honestly, it was disheartening to have a song like this one ready to release and feel like God was putting the brakes on. But even with the confusion and disappointment, I felt the Lord give me a divine reassurance that this song in some way and somehow was meant for someone in the coming year. Little did I know in that moment over a year ago, the things that would transpire in our country, in our world, and in our communities.

From last year to this year, we have experienced loss together, some deeper and wider than others, but we have all been forced to face disappointments, sit with unmet expectations, and even experience excruciating loneliness and sadness. These troubles, while uncomfortable, remind us ever more so that this world is not our home. It is in these uncertain times that we turn our eyes to the comfort and security of a God who does not look away from our suffering.

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are, yet he did not sin,” – Hebrews 4:15

In this Christmas season, I pray we all can focus our attention on the birth of our Savior, the one in whom our hope is secure and never faltering. May we turn our attention from the noise of the world and truly, simply Behold Him.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – Jesus (John 16:33)

Merry Christmas,
Francesca Battistelli