On the surface, the idea of peace on earth seems to be little more than a pipe dream. The first son, Cain, killed his brother, and humans have been in conflict ever since. We struggle for peace with those around us. We long for peace within us. Yet there is nothing we can do to bring peace. We can’t earn it. We can’t buy it. We can’t demand it.
The only hope for peace on earth was for a part of heaven to come to earth. And that’s precisely what God promised through Isaiah:
For us a son is born,
To us a son is given,
And the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God
Everlasting Father
Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6-7)
700 years later, God fulfilled His promise. The angels were so excited, they burst into song and proclaimed, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14 NIV)
Christmas is about God making peace by sending Jesus to die for us. In Romans 4:25, the Bible says, “25 He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God. Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.” Today, Jesus still brings peace, and He longs to bring it to you. Only God could do that. Only God would do that. This Christmas, may His peace rest on you.
Mike Johnson
Don’t Forget to ‘Take 5’