In our Christmas story, the angel announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds and was joined by other angels for another message. 13 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” [1]Luke 2:13-14.
The peace referred to is the peace only the Messiah Jesus can bring. This is peace between sinful humanity and the holy God. Only Jesus is able to bring this peace through His birth, death and resurrection. The angels are praising God because He is the only one who can bring this kind of peace. This is God’s love and His undeserved grace.
The world we live in longs for peace. People try to attain peace through many different worldly ways, but this can never bring true peace in your heart. This type of peace only comes through our relationship with Jesus. Jesus loves us so that He gave His life for us on the cross. He paid the price for our sins. Our relationship with God can be restored through Jesus.
I have had several people personally tell me that as they placed their faith in Jesus as their Savior, an unexplainable peace came over them. This was a peace that they had never experienced before. Something happened on the inside. That something was the Holy Spirit taking up residence inside of them. Not only does the Lord give us peace, but God begins to transform us from the inside out. I remember one young lady who had a very hard look on her face. After she came to faith in Jesus, her face seemed to change. The hard look was gone and was replaced by a softer looking appearance. Wow! Only God can do that.
A few selected verses about the peace the Lord brings.
- John 16:33 –I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” [2]
- Philippians 4:7 –Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. [3]
- Colossians 3:15 -And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. [4]
Are you at peace today? If you are, make sure to give thanks to the Lord! If not, take the hand of Jesus and let Him lead you to the cross. Confess your sins to Jesus and ask to be forgiven. Ask Jesus to come into your heart and experience a wonderful peace and gift from God. Merry Christmas!
Listen to a conversation about the Christmas story: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/god-steps-into-time/the-gift-of-jesus
[1, 2, 3, 4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Lk 2:13–14, John 16:33, Php 4:7, Col 3:15). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.