A Call to Peace

On Christmas cards, we often see the phrase, “Peace on earth”. It’s beautiful, isn’t it? Comforting. Heartwarming. But the message of the angels might surprise you with a far deeper message beyond a Christmas slogan.

Luke 2:13–14, And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army of angels praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among people with whom He is pleased.”

The message of the Gospel is spoken by the angels to the shepherds right after their announcement that the Savior had been born, Christ the Lord (Luke 2:10–12). It wasn’t just exciting news; it announced the shattering of what had been as they broadcast the best news ever spoken.

Up until this moment, humanity was separated from God because of sin. But in His great love, God sent His Son into the world to bring forgiveness and full reconciliation with God to all who would receive Him.

THIS is what the angels were talking about. 

THIS is the good tidings of great joy.

THIS is why heaven erupted in praise!

The peace given through the birth of Christ was not about ending wars or goodwill between people being nice to each other. It was about peace WITH God… restored access to His presence. Peace was made tangible as the veil was torn in the Holy of Holies when Jesus completed His reason for coming to earth-removing the barrier between God and humanity as sin was defeated by the cross.

The peace of Christmas is the lavish grace and mercy of God who draws humans into relationship with Him by the arrival of His plan through His beloved Son.

…the Son who willingly left heaven and entered the world as a helpless baby of humble birth. 

…the Son who grew up in anonymity for 30 years before He was baptized by His cousin and began preaching the message He came to deliver.

…the Son who knelt with anguish and troubled heart in the Garden of Gethsemane as He spoke, “Your will be done” in full surrender of His life.

THIS message–peace with God–is what the angels were proclaiming. They declared to those who would listen that the Most High God–the Author of Life–has gone to unimaginable lengths to restore what was broken by sin and to invite us into peace.

John 14:27 Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful. 

THIS peace calls us to respond with joy this Christmas. I pray for the peace that Christ gives to be yours, today and throughout the year.

Friend, I would love to hear from you... what does peace look like for you this year?