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 threats and work of terrorists, unspeakable violence, strife, wars, epidemics, 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 come into a right relationship with Him. This gift of peace is available to all who open their hearts to receive Him. Only God Himself can give this particular gift. We can search high a 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 this is—the 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 Your name we pray, amen.
