What Peace?

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” – Luke 2:14

When you look at a nativity scene it all seems so peaceful. Those in the nativity have smiles on their faces, their hair is nicely cut and styled and their clothes are unwrinkled and clean. It almost seems too good to be true, and so it most likely is. The real nativity included a dingy dark stable filled with noisy smelly animals. The floors where covered with dirt and dung. Their bed was a cold hard stone floor blanketed with a thin layer of dingy straw. It was not the most pleasant place to give birth. As the shepherds arrived on the scene they must have wondered what the angels meant when they said this baby would bring peace on earth.

Today as we celebrate the birth of Christ, peace stills seems so distant. The Christmas season can sometimes feel like anything, but peaceful. Our schedules are packed with Christmas programs, parties, gatherings, shopping, and preparations. We are busy planning trips or preparing to host family. The stores are packed with frantic shoppers and we wonder when we will ever get a moment of peace. When we look around the world we see wars, hunger, poverty, crime and injustice and we might wonder where is this peace that the angels promised.

Despite the fact that sin still exists in our hearts and in the world, Christ did bring peace to earth. Peace comes to us in knowing that Jesus Christ came to forgive our sins, pay the price for our sinfulness and give us the promise of eternal life. We have peace knowing that this little baby reigns forever and will one day take away all that is wrong with the world. Christ gives us hope and therefore brings peace to earth.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for bringing us peace and hope. Just as the angels praised you, I will praise and worship you for what you have done for me. Bring peace to my heart, mind and soul this Christmas season. Amen.

Faith Tip: Take some time out of your busy Christmas preparations to enjoy a moment of peace and reflect on the hope and peace that Christ brings to your life.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson