Luke 2: 13-14:
“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.’”
Peace on earth has evaded us for thousands of years and still does. The daily news testifies to the sufferings many are still experiencing with devastating illnesses, drug abuse, along with civil unrest in our cities, hateful rhetoric on the news, unspeakable violence, strife, wars, slavery, imprisonment, homelessness, hunger and despair around the world.
Did the angels proclaim that with Jesus’ birth people would experience earthly peace? No, the announcement of His birth was a proclamation of the arrival of the Prince of Peace who would bring a two-fold peace: the peace of God, a peace that passes all understanding that only He can give; and peace with God, the result in our hearts when we place our faith in His Son and come into a right relationship with the Father. This gift of peace is available to all who open their hearts to receive Him. Only God Himself can give this particular gift of peace. We can search high and low for peace but it can’t be found in anything or anyone else on this earth. It is only found in Jesus. What a wonderful, free gift it is—this gift of Peace!
Dear heavenly Father, so often we expect externals or tangibles to provide peace to fill the emptiness we feel inside. We acknowledge that only through your Son can we experience true peace, the peace that fills the emptiness in our hearts, the peace that passes all understanding. May Your peace, Lord Jesus, reign in our hearts today and everyday! In the wonderful name of the Prince of Peace, Jesus. Amen.
~ painting by brydenart
