Peace On Earth

LUKE 2:13-14 NKJ 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"

Peace? On earth? Who are you kidding? Earth is filled with strife and violence.

What were the angels talking about? What could their message mean, on that night so long ago, when they appeared to the shepherds outside of Bethlehem?

Even Jesus made it clear that His first coming to earth was not for the purpose of bringing peace on earth.

LUKE 12:51 NKJ 51 "Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division.

Then what were the angels rejoicing about? What was the big deal that night in Bethlehem?

They were speaking of peace between God and man, not peace among mankind.

ROMANS 5:1 NKJ 1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

And that is why we can rejoice and celebrate Christmas: Jesus did everything necessary to erase all alienation between God and mankind.

Jesus broke down all the barriers between God and man. Now, through Jesus, we can know God intimately, and enjoy His fellowship.

Although the work was not finished just by Jesus being born, yet the angels saw the love that prompted God to take on a human form, and they looked forward in faith to the completion of mankind's redemption.

The angels were proclaiming peace and good will from God to mankind. That is my message, too. God is not against you. God loves you. God is not your problem. So, turn to God, instead of turning away from Him.

That is the true message of Christmas. Everyone can be right with God, because of God's gift -- Jesus Christ.

SAY THIS: Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!