The cards, the greetings, the sons trumpet the greeting to
all: “Peace on earth, good will to men.”
It sounds like a positive, joyful, universal blessing. But we miss the point of the Scriptures if we
simply accept this. The Bible says, “Glory to God in the highest, and on
earth peace among those with whom he is pleased” (Luke 2:14, ESV). Notice that the Christmas greeting invites
everyone to participate in the praise of God; and the peace carries a
qualification: “on whom he is pleased”.
“Glory should be given to God in the most exalted of ways,
while on earth one should see that this child means peace for those “on whom
his favor rests.””[1]
In the Latin Vulgate, this short song is known as the
“Gloria in Excelsis Deo” (“ Glory to God in the highest heaven”). God’s glory
is the manifestation of all his majesty and power. The Christmas announcement calls us to give
glory to the all-glorious one.
The Roman Caesar Augustus would boast that he had
established peace by conquering Rome’s enemies. However Jesus was to establish
peace, but by very different means.
“For to
us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his
shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6, ESV)
Jesus is the provider of peace, but we mustn’t think in
terms of our definitions. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I
give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be
troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27, ESV). The peace that Christ gives is not indiscriminate
to all and it is not often definable. “Rejoice in the Lord always . . . Let
your reasonableness be known to everyone . . . do not be anxious about anything
. . . And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your
hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4–7, ESV)
The angels invite us to bow before His glory and for those
who have received his grace, anticipate his unique peace. “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God
through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1, ESV)
Father, it is striking
that there seems to be a universal adoption of many of the precious Christmas
thoughts and sayings. How sad it is that
many will recite this angelic announcement unaware of what they are saying. May the Gospel arrest hearts this year and
may your saving grace rest on many, this Season. May you be glorified.
[1] Bock,
Darrell L.. Luke: The NIV Application Commentary from Biblical Text to
Contemporary Life (p. 85). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
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