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Peace on Earth


In Luke chapter 2 we have the awe-inspiring appearance of an angel to announce the birth of the Messiah. I'm sure you are familiar with this magnificent passage:

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

 So, when this magnificent angel appears, the shepherds are terribly frightened.  Once he calms their fears, he shares what is the greatest news the heavens have ever announced to this fallen world. The sinners in this world need a Savior, and now they have one. This is extremely good news.  It is a joyous gospel for all people.   

After this wonderful announcement we have a multitude of angels joining the chorus that was beautifully expressed by George Frederick Handel. In "Messiah," the section typically entitled "Glory to God" includes the phrase "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." This text emphasizes the divine praise and the message of peace, highlighting the joy and goodwill brought by the birth of Christ. This certainly is a wonderful sentiment placed in a majestic musical theme, unfortunately it is not in scripture. Let's look at what the angles say…

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 among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:13-14)

 Notice the difference.  Although peace on earth is a noble sentiment, it is NOT being announced at the birth of Christ.  This peace is found "among those with whom he is pleased".  The good news (the gospel) is for all men.  The peace is for those who respond in faith to the gospel.  One of the wonderful fruits of the Spirit is "peace". Those who are indwelt and filled by the Spirit may experience this peace… 

 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Gal 2:22-23)

 Jesus promised his peace to his disciples when he told them, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." (Jn 14:27)

 God's supernatural peace transcends our circumstances.

 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Php 4:6-7)

But this supernatural peace is reserved for "those with whom he is pleased!", as the angels announced.  But is it possible to please God?  Absolutely!  Whenever we live by faith, that pleases our heavenly Father. Hebrews chapter eleven, "the hall of faith" tells us what pleases God.

 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. (Heb 11:6)

 for we walk by faith, not by sight— (2 Cor 5:7)

 Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. (2 Cor 5:9)

 So, in conclusion…

  1. We can rejoice at the fabulous reality of a Savior born to save us from our sins.
  2. We can, like the angels, be full of praise and adoration at the glory of God.
  3. We can aspire to live in such a way that our heavenly Father is pleased.
  4. We can enjoy the supernatural peace he gives- a peace that surpasses all comprehension.

 Merry Christmas! 

All passages in this post were taken from The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016).

 

 


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