True Peace
Luke 2:14 (NIV) “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
At Christmas time we often hear the altruism, “Peace on earth” because it was spoken by the angels to the shepherds when they announced the birth of the Christ child, “glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” The Christ was prophesied to be the “Prince of Peace (Is 9:6).” Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you (John 20:19).” And yet he also said he did not come to bring peace, but a sword which would divide families and cause strife (Matt. 10:34ff). True peace, from God’s perspective, is not simply the absence of conflict, or even coexistence. It is the presence of something tangible which brings an inner peace and serenity, which “transcends all understanding” (Phil. 4:7). It is none other than presence of Jesus Christ through the Spirit. The reason peace does not currently exist in our world is because not all receive Christ and his peace, not all walk in his path of peace. Our prayer for peace on earth must include the world’s embrace of the Prince of Peace.
Help us, o Lord, to embrace you and follow your ways of peace. Help us also to be a light so others will receive your peace. Amen.