by Barbara Latta
“Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace goodwill
toward men” (Luke 2:8-14).
Peace on earth is often associated with Christmas because of
this message in the book of Luke. But political peace was not the focus of the
proclamation from the angel.
The Romans still had a stronghold on the tiny country of
Israel when the announcement was made. The land was trampled years later, and
the temple desecrated.
War has remained for centuries (Mark 13).
So where is this peace the angel shouted from the heavens?
They were not declaring peace on earth, but peace toward men
from God. The enmity caused by sin was over.
Jesus Himself said He did not come to bring peace but a
sword (Matthew 10: 34-39) and He told his followers there would always be wars
and rumors of war. One of the signs of the end times is people will be fighting
among themselves more and more. (Matthew 24).
The life and teachings of the Son of God causes division
among people because to follow Him one must give up their own way of life and
surrender to His. This causes a dying of the flesh and sometimes a dying of
relationships. Division and enmity can be the result.
But Jesus’ peace dwells in the hearts of men when a selfish
heart kneels in surrender to Him.
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you” (John
14:27) – this is the peace the angels were
Men fight among themselves because they do not have peace
within. When a heart is in turmoil, a person tries to compensate with actions
to try to fill the void. Addictions and evil behavior can result. But only Jesus can calm the soul and bring
peace to life.
Without peace we feel condemned and shamed. Guilt resides
and reminds us of past sins. Paul wrote “There is therefore now no
condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the
flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ
Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:1-2). We
are not under condemnation for sin any longer. When we do sin, God does not
condemn us because Jesus took the punishment once and for all time.
And this is why Jesus was born.
May you celebrate Christmas with peace in your heart because
the war is over. I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!
Join the conversation and share your thoughts.
Well said author! Merry CHRISTmas Ms. Barbara. Am so very glad your Christmas present came a few weeks early through the answered prayers of getting your dear husband through his surgery and returned home to you. God's blessings sweet friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you, J.D. I am so happy about that too. The best Christmas present I could get! I hope you and your family have a blessed holiday.
DeleteAmen! What an incredible gift God sent us!
ReplyDeleteYes, the best gift ever. Because of that gift we have life! Blessings and Merry Christmas
DeleteAmen, Barbara. Thank you for the reminder. So grateful for peace with God, for Jesus' peace even in the storms, and for His grace that won the war against sin and washes away our guilt.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear your husband is on the mend. Praise God.
Thank you, Rachael. Yes I am so grateful my husband is on the mend. And so thankful for Jesus the reason for the season. Blessings and Merry Christmas!
DeleteI had never looked at this scripture this way, but it makes perfect sense. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteCathy it opened my eyes also when I saw the peace God sent to earth. Thanks for stopping by. Blessings!
DeleteThis is a wonderful teaching on peace and its importance! I'm praying!
ReplyDeleteThank you! May peace be with you through the New Year. Blessings!
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