Peace on Earth!

             When the Angels appeared to the Shepherds that night so long ago, they proclaimed “Peace on earth, goodwill toward men” (KJV).  Yet, wars have continued down through the ages.  Today, two major conflicts rage, and each one holds the possibility of sparking World War II.  That doesn’t even take into consideration all the other battles that are being fought throughout the earth.

            Obviously, the “peace” the angels proclaimed did not mean the absence of war and conflict.  All of us would like to live in a world where there is no conflict, where everyone gets along, and where we all love and care for each other.  Unfortunately, that world and that kind of “peace” do not exist on this side of Heaven. So, what does the “peace” the angels proclaimed that night look like?  How do we define it, and more importantly, how do we find it?

            The most important peace they proclaimed was the peace between God and man.  When sin entered the world, the relationship between God and man was broken.  God cannot tolerate sin, and man was covered in it, so a great divide developed, one that man could never cross.  That divide did not stop God from loving and caring about His creation.  It just meant that they would never again have the relationship they had in the Garden, where He walked with them.  Sin had broken and corrupted everything, and as a result, there was no peace.  Then, amid that brokenness, God sent His one and only Son to the earth to bridge that divide and ultimately pay the price for all sin.  The Angels announced that night that there would once more be peace between God and man.  The divide had been bridged by one little baby born into the stillness of the night.

            That peace alone would be more than enough, more than any of us deserve but God’s peace does not stop there.  In John 14:27, Christ said “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (NIV84). The peace that Christ gives to those who call Him Lord is an inner peace, a place of rest from the conflict and turmoil of this world.  While the whole world seems to spin out of control around us, we can rest in Christ’s peace.

            Paul, in his letter to the Philippians (Phil. 4: 4 – 7), tells us exactly how to experience Christ’s peace. 

            First, rejoice in the Lord!  Always!  No matter the circumstances, we have the assurance of a greater hope. 

            Next, remember that the Lord is nearby.  Act like it.  Let the love of Christ be shown through your gentleness and love.

            Instead of spending time worrying and being anxious, spend your time in prayer, remembering to thank God for all His blessings.  I think you will find that there are many.  Then, and only then, present your requests to Him.

           When you have followed this prescription, keeping your eyes focused on Christ, only then will you find Christ’s peace, - the peace that the Angels announced over 2000 years ago.

May you be blessed with the Peace of Christ this Christmas season!

Luke 2: 14

John 14: 27

Philippians 4: 4 – 7

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