What on earth is peace? Luke 2:10–14 [ESV]: 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. 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!” This angelic announcement is given to shepherds who are tending their flocks in a field the night Jesus is born. These awe-struck shepherds are told that in Bethlehem (the city of David), a Savior is born, who is the promised Messiah and the Lord of glory. The sky glows with the glory of the Lord as the heavens are filled with gleaming messengers declaring, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased.” Among the lights, songs, and interactions at Christmas time, the promise of peace on earth is an oft repeated, sung and printed phrase. Many people love and long for peace. The comforting thoughts of calm amid warring factions around the globe as well as the cessation of interpersonal tension are championed behind the phrase “Peace on earth…” But is this the focus of peace the angels proclaim at the arrival of Jesus, the Christ? Even though the culmination of the redeeming work of Jesus will one day yield such quieting fruit, the peace Jesus comes to provide as the core and crux of His gospel mission is the reconciliation of sinful men and women with holy God. Self-consumed and God-defying humanity abides under the wrath of God who shines in the brilliance of pure righteousness. The peace we need and the peace God provides through Jesus is our peace with God through the person and gospel work of Jesus Christ. So as you enjoy the bright lights of the Christmas holiday, ask yourself a question. Is the burning white-hot light of God’s righteousness, that will one day torment all selfish sinners, cooled and satisfied by faith in the blood-red work of Jesus on the cross? If so, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Let’s rejoice in this peace first and foremost this Christmas season.
Posted on: Fri, 12 Dec 2014 21:00:02 +0000
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