Peace On Earth
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and 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 among those with whom he is pleased!”
(Luke 2:11-14 ESV – emphasis mine)
I love the Christmas message of Luke 2. Always have. But one thing that I have never noticed is that peace is not for all. Read the above passage again…slowly. I had to read it several times before understanding it. The ESV Bible Study notes say this:
“God’s gift of “peace” will come not to all humanity but to those whom God is pleased to call to himself.”
~ ESV Bible Study Notes
I really had to ponder this for several days. So, what does this mean, “not to all humanity”? In my personal opinion, God’s peace is only for those who believe in the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Jesus was sent by God to redeem humanity.
Reading further in Luke 2 we are told that the shepherds did not keep silent about the event on the first Christmas:
“When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.” (Luke 2:15-18 ESV)
You see, God used shepherds the first Christmas. Today, we should do the same. Telling others about the birth of Christ and about the peace that comes from knowing Him as Savior.
“Lord of mercy, grace and peace. We treasure the Good News of the Savior’s birth. We humbly ask You to use us this Christmas to share the peace that comes from knowing You. In the precious name of Jesus – Amen”.
Thank you for sharing, Iris. Luke 2 is my favorite version of the Christmas story. I’m going to read it wit new eyes after reading your thoughts.