What an indescribable blessing. In Luke chapter two the Angel of the Lord tells the lowly shepherds that he brings good news that will bring joy to ALL the people. The Angels' news was for everyone. Not just those who were powerful, or rich, or intelligent, not just for those who were "good enough" but for ALL the people.
And then a Heavenly host of angels appear and announce, Glory to God! This glory is honor and worship of our great Father. But there is more, much more. The angels continue and tell the shepherds,
"and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests." Luke 2:14(b) NIV
This peace is for those on whom His favor rests. This peace the Heavenly host announced is for those who believe in Him and come to know Him. What peace are they talking about?
First is peace with God. This peace saves us, sanctifies us and makes us holy. Without it nothing else matters. Peace with God is reconciliation with our Savior, not based on our worthiness, but based on His.
Secondly is inner peace. Today's world holds so much stress, so much anxiety, and so much depression but it doesn't have to. John 14: 27 says this peace Jesus offers is beyond understanding. When we are going through the deepest sorrows of our life Jesus offers us this peace. The Holy Spirit Himself is our Comforter. Jesus says you can't find this peace in the world, only in Him. Isaiah 48:22 says there is no peace for the wicked.
Second Thessalonians 3:16 says,
"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you."
Our Savior is described as the Lord of peace and He offers us peace in all our circumstances. Even when we feel it is impossible to find it. So many in the world today turn to alcohol or drugs trying to find peace but they won't find it there - ever. Peace is a fruit of the Holy Spirit of God working in our lives. Romans 8: 6 says that being spiritually minded brings peace and life. God has us, as we say today. He cares for us and truly knowing that soothes the soul like nothing else.
Thirdly is peace with others. When we understand that Christ has forgiven us of so much we can show the same forgiveness and kindness with tender hearts towards those who have hurt us deeply (Ephesians 4: 31-32). Will this forgiveness always be returned? Sadly no. It wasn't toward Christ and it won't be always returned to us either. Don't let that make you bitter. Keep remembering God's forgiveness towards you instead thinking about how often you have been hurt.
Romans 14: 19 tells us to do all that we can to promote peace with others. In Romans 12: 18 Paul says that as far as it depends on you, live peaceably with others. We can't force peace on someone else. Jesus reminds us in the Sermon on the Mount that peacemakers are blessed, so blessed that they will see God (Matthew 5:9).
What about world peace? That won't happen until the end of the age (Isaiah 11: 1-10). In Matthew 24: 6-7 Jesus tells us that until He returns there will be "wars and rumors of wars" and "nations will rise against nations". But in our own way we can bring peace to those around us by sharing the word of Christ, the joy of Christ and the peace of Christ. Those who trust in God can have peace now.
Today let's make Colossians 3:15 our prayer,
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. "
Let's join with the angels in saying, Glory to God in the Highest! How we thank our Savior for His peace this Christmas.
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