Peace on Earth

 "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men." Luke 2: 13, 14

    Years ago, I saw one of those church signs that made me sit up and take notice. It said, "Know God, know peace; No God, no peace."

    Familiar Bible verses seem to roll off the tongue with little thought until ponderance is given. Such is the case with the account of the Christmas story. What did the angels mean when they told the solitary shepherds, "...on earth peace, goodwill toward men?" 

    The peace heralded to humanity on the birthday of our Savior means Jesus has created a way around the enmity between sinful people and our holy God. But, if there's peace on earth, you may wonder, then why doesn't it feel that way? There are wars, killings, deceptions, betrayals and all kinds of strife to prove otherwise.

    It's not enough to join the carolers in December with a nod toward peace. True peace with God involves accepting the gift of His Son whose Holy Spirit makes a new creation of us. One of the gifts of the Spirit, besides love, joy, patience and the others, is peace. It's a byproduct of a life with God.

    Once we have that peace within, then it radiates from us to a hurting world. As it says in Ephesians 2:14, "...for He himself is our peace." This brand of peace is not anything sold in stores or as seen on TV. No, it's the heavenly peace that transcends all understanding. Peace during storms. Peace during illness. Peace at the time of death. 

    This Christmas, as you unwrap bright packages or delve into bulging stockings, seek peace and pursue it by accepting the free gift of God's Son. It's the gift that keeps on giving for all eternity. One size fits all.

"And in despair, I bowed my head;

"There is no peace on earth," I said;

"For hate is strong,

And mocks the song

Of peace on earth, goodwill to men!"

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:

"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;

The wrong shall fail,

The right prevail,

With peace on earth, goodwill to men."

-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

    The church sign was right!

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27