“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’”

Peace is an illusive word, isn’t it?  Peace is a word that we want to mean what we want it to mean.  (Why can’t we all just get along?)  The word used for peace in this text, does mean the cessation of hostilities – but hostilities between whom?  There’s so much more to this word than we may first conceive.  A person experiences  peace – a presence of God if you will – that overwhelms them when surrendering to Christ.  A new mind is gained which brings with it new priorities and new standards for living.  As we see lived out every day, the fact that we gain divine peace does not mean that our world will be a completely harmless place to live in.  On the contrary, the decision to follow Jesus and live a faithful Christian life may add to the conflict one experiences, but in the turmoil peace reigns.  “Peace on earth” is experienced when the culmination of God’s work is perceived, received and lived out in the life of a disciple of Messiah.

We want peace to mean that everyone walks in lockstep together – a live and let live attitude.  Jesus brings a type of peace that puts us into direct conflict with the existing world but makes us a part of a new heavenly kingdom.  The former, if ever achievable, is fleeting.  The latter is everlasting.

May peace reside within your heart and rule your life as you are continually transformed into the likeness of Jesus our Lord!

–Dale