Peace, Not as the World Gives

Luke 2:10,11, "Don't be afraid, because I am bringing you some good news. It will be a joy to all the people. Today your Savior was born in David's town. He is Christ, the Lord."

Luke 2:13,14, "Then a very large group of angels from heaven joined the first angel. All the angels were praising God, saying: 'Give glory to God in heaven, and on earth let there be peace to the people who please God.'"

Isaiah 9:6, "A child will be born to us. God will give a son to us. He will be responsible for leading the people. His name will be Wonderful Counselor, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace."

John 14:27, (Jesus answered,) "I leave you peace. My peace I give to you. I do not give it to you as the world does. So don't let your hearts be troubled. Don't be afraid."

Satan offers a counterfeit peace to the world, and many times Christians are deceived into accepting this idea as Truth from the Lord. However, let us not believe the lie that our cunning enemy forces upon us. The Bible tells us that there will always be wars and rumors of war (Matt. 24:6), and that we are not to be afraid. No, peace between nations is not the peace the Lord came to give.

The source of "Peace on Earth Goodwill Toward Men" that the Bible talks about is none other than Jesus Christ, Who is the Prince of Peace. God sent Jesus to us in order to reconcile the people of the world to the Father. As we are reconciled, we receive the peace that the holy angels announced on that hillside so long ago. True peace in this world only exists through Christ Jesus, the Son of God.

Be a reconciler. Take every opportunity during this Christmas season to share your peace with others. Be ready to give account of the hope that lies within you. Our hope is only through Jesus, Whose birth we are celebrating, and our expectation is eternal life.

Love, Karen