And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 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, good will toward men. Luke 2:10-14
As Christmas approaches with great joy and hope we sing of peace on earth; yet, all around us we see anger, pride, terrorism, war, and violence. How was it that over 2000 years ago, the angels sang of peace? How was it that Paul wrote to the Colossians of peace? Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:2 As I already pointed out last week, they were a church being bombarded by false doctrines who bid them be open minded. There was conflict and controversy within the church as well as the society that surrounded them. People were being tortured and killed for speaking the truth of the gospel. Paul himself was in prison. So how could Paul write of peace? Was this merely a hope for one day when Christ returns to set up reign on earth? There will be that day! But, how do we as Christians sing of peace now while living in a war-torn world ravaged with division, hate, and anger?
Throughout scripture we find the word peace in several varying contexts. One of which refers to the absence of war. We see that in Revelation 6:4. We also see that in Isaiah 9:6-7 when referring to Jesus who is the Prince of Peace and will one day reign upon His Throne over heaven and earth for eternity.
His ever-expanding, peaceful government will never end. He will rule with perfect fairness and justice from the throne of his father David. He will bring true justice and peace to all the nations of the world. This is going to happen because the Lord of heaven’s armies has dedicated himself to do it! (TLB)
At times in the scripture peace is referring to interpersonal relations here on earth. We are instructed to always strive to be at peace with each other.
Try always to be led along together by the Holy Spirit and so be at peace with one another. Ephesians 4:3 Turn from all known sin and spend your time in doing good. Try to live in peace with everyone; work hard at it. Psalm 34:14 (TLB)
Yet, when the Angels proclaimed of Peace on Earth, good will toward men; I do believe they were referring to another use of the word. They were proclaiming a peace that was being ushered in by His birth; not, some future peace only to hope for at His second coming. Nor were they referring to an end of war and conflict amongst men; at least, not for now. Instead they were referring to a peace within the soul of each believer–a peace between my spirit and God’s Holy Spirit. Christ’s birth was the promise of a Messiah being fulfilled. He was born of a virgin, the Holy Son of God. He came to suffer, face every trial and temptation that could be thrown at Him victoriously without sin; then to die in my place. He was the perfect, righteous, spotless sacrifice so that my spirit might be brought to life. Because of that, peace can be mine–now, this very moment. It is that peace that we sing about with such Joy! Peace on earth, good will toward man from God the Heavenly Father. My soul rests in Him. I have no fear, no turmoil, no shame, and no sorrow; because, my soul finds its rest in Him, my Savior.
Zecharias said it as he rejoiced over his own son, John the Baptist who was sent to announce the coming of Jesus Christ,
And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. Luke 1:76-77
So, my dear readers; my question today is: Do you know of that peace?
[tweetthis]The peace of God; beyond all understanding Do you know that peace?[/tweetthis]
[bctt tweet=”No fear in death, no guilt in life–that is peace with God as can only be known in Christ.” username=”effiedarlene”]
[bctt tweet=”Christ came, died and rose again; that our spirit might have peace with God’s Holy Spirit.” username=”effiedarlene”]
Do you know Him as your Savior and King?
I would love to here about your journey; please scroll down to comment below.
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Living Bible (TLB)
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.