Peace on Earth

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Grandson Theo in awe at outdoor worship
this Christmas season. 



Scripture:


Luke 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”


Observation:


There is a sudden shift in the scene when no longer there is just one angel speaking to the shepherds, but the heavens appear to open up and there is an entire multitude of the heavenly host. We have no idea what this must have looked like, but if the shepherds were in fear over one angel, I can’t imagine what they must have felt at this moment. 


The heavenly hosts are doing what they normally do — praising God! We find them later in the book of revelation, doing the same thing. Their praise gives glory to God in the highest heaven, but instantly connects the God of heaven to peace on earth. The language here has been debated, and throughout the centuries has been translated in different ways, including “good will toward men.” The idea is that God desires peace and goodwill toward all of those whom God favors, and that is all of humanity. In this moment, when the Messiah is born, the highest of heaven comes to bring peace on earth. 


Application:


The phrase, “Peace on Earth” has been spoken and written many times over the centuries. How often have we heard people say that their desire is for world peace? Today I’m thinking about this a little differently, considering the text. What does peace “on” earth actually mean here? I have usually thought that meant that people would get along with one another — that on earth, we might learn to leave in peace. However, I’m wondering whether peace “on” earth — is actually a pronouncement that peace has come from heaven and has now arrived “on” earth.  Because the prince of peace has arrived, we can say that peace is “on” earth. It is the Christ, the prince of peace who himself comes to earth and it is his presence that makes all the difference. 


This begs the question as to whether “world peace” is actually a possibility without the “prince of peace?” The beauty of that first Christmas was a pronouncement that heaven had opened up and that which was glorified in the highest heaven had come to down to earth. Now, heaven and earth were united in the mission of God through the incarnation of Jesus. That mission was to spread God’s peace on the earth through the transforming presence of the Prince of Peace. This is the Prince that was ushering in the kingdom of God. The shepherds were given a glimpse of that kingdom when the skies were opened and they could see the cosmic kingdom revealed as a hope for all of humankind. 


As Christ-followers we have been favored with God’s peace. It is our responsibility to bear that peace and share it with all of humanity. In this most unusual year, it’s good to reflect on whether we have been instruments of God’s peace on earth. How would our neighbors see us? In the midst of a year defined by COVID 19 would our neighbors see us as being defined by the peace of Christ? How have we responded to the stresses, the joys and the disappointments? All of this becomes a testimony to the presence of peace on earth. 


Peace has come to earth in the form of a baby born on Christmas day. This gift is for us all. May we embrace the gift with gratitude, and share the gift with all. Merry Christmas! 


Prayer:


Lord, your peace has been such a comforting presence this year. Please, help me to be an instrument of your peace in this world. Amen. 

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