1967 Martin Luther King said in a Christmas Eve message “we neither have peace within nor peace without”
God promised a peace that passes understanding, a perfect peace, and a peace above what the world can offer. Where is that peace for every man and woman?
It is in the Prince of Peace Himself, ruling and blessing us who find Him then follow Him. He gives us the enjoyment of peace like no other peace ever found on earth. John 14:27, “My peace I give to you…”
The letter E in the word peace stands for Enjoyment of God’s presence and rule brings peace.
God’s peace gives us a joy in what we do every day. His peace makes us create an environment of peace for others. We develop acceptance not rejection, forgiveness not injury or revenge, etc. Peace on earth is when we express God gracious favor to men, reconciliation and trust. Peace soaked in an unconditional love among men and women.
How did it come to us?
Read Luke 2:8-16
Shepherds were outside in the night air watching over their sheep. These men were not known for their great character or piety. Quite the contrary, they were known for being sneaky and dishonest. These sheep, some suggest were used for the upcoming sacrifices for the Passover feast in Jerusalem. But whole flocks of sheep could not wash away the stain of the sins of these unrighteous shepherds. They needed something much more effective than mere sheep. They had no peace between them and the villagers, or the people in the area, they had no peace between them and God. They were aware they had a bad reputation, and probably were cynical they would ever have a chance to be right with God.
The unidentified angel breaks the silence with earth- shattering news.
But before uttering a word, the mere sight of this angel threw the shepherds into an escalated mindset of terror. The black night was filled with a bright light and a divine being with great power and boldness declaring with heaven’s authority… and in response these small powerless men shuddered feeling the death threat all around them. They were all shaking with fear, and their bodies were showing the pressure they felt.
The angel assured them, “Do not be afraid.”
“I bring you great news of great joy for all the people…”
“Today”, it has finally come, the promises of God have finally become history ….
“There has been born for you a Savoir, who is the Christ, the Lord…”
Here is the proof, look for him , “the baby in the manger wrapped in cloths…”
Then suddenly the air is filled with other angels all praising God and shouting
“Glory to God in the highest” this day is a great day and showed the world the great glory of God. This day is one of the most famous days of human history. He is the highest and He shows us why!
“Peace on earth”… this is a greater miracle than creation.
With men with whom He is pleased…. Goodwill to men, God’s grace is in motion accomplishing this peace for all men to enjoy.
Peace in our home begins with peace in our hearts. Peace on earth is Christ on the throne of our lives. Christ within is Peace on earth. Peace on earth is the same peace in heaven.
Peace on earth is when you are reconciled with the Prince of peace who is the Judge of heaven.
Peace on earth begins with you. 2 Cor 5:18a cev “God has done it all! He sent Christ to make peace with us all.”
Have you made Jesus your Prince of Peace, and have you submitted your life to Him? Is the war between you and God over? Is your war over?
