PEACE ON EARTH
WINTER 2024 ISSUE | 5 minute read
The Christmas story is full of amazing and wonderful sights and sounds that still stir our hearts today. The message of the manger and the events surrounding it never grow old.
One of the things I find most interesting about the Christmas story is the cast of characters that comprise it. You go from one end of the spectrum to the other and everything in between.
You have a poor young couple hand-picked by God to be the parents of Christ. On the other end of the spectrum, you have wealthy and affluent wise men who bring gifts fit for a king. You'll find simple shepherds in a field tending sheep who hear about the news from a heavenly angelic choir. This just serves as a reminder that the baby who came that night came for men and women from all walks of life.
That heavenly choir and the message they heralded that night to a group of scared shepherds intrigues me. “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” In a world that abounds with confusion and chaos, we could use a little extra peace. It’s not an exaggeration to say that this world is void of peace. In the United States alone:
· 30 million people suffer from sleeplessness.
· 25 million people suffer from hypertension.
· 20 million people suffer from ulcers.
· 18.8 million Adults are affected by depression each year.
· There are 2,000 suicides a day around the world, many caused by depression.
· More than 4 million people in the U.S. each year need medical attention because of severe depression.
· Over half of those occupying hospital beds are there because of mental or emotional disorders.
What is peace? Freedom of the mind from annoyance, distraction, or anxiety. A state of tranquility of serenity.
God’s Word has much to say about peace. Throughout the pages of Scripture, there are over 300 references to peace. Jesus came so that you and I could have peace.
1. The Prince of Peace
Isaiah looked ahead and spoke of a time when Christ would be born. Isaiah 9:6 records the following: For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. As the Prince of Peace He would be the head person, general, or governor of peace. He would have dominion over all thus bringing total peace. Jesus has all power and that includes the power to bring peace to your life.
2. The Promise of Peace
Jesus promised peace for the present and even peace as it relates to the future.
In John 14:27, Jesus spoke about a present peace: Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
In John 14:1-3, Jesus spoke about a future peace. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
Both your present and your future can be filled with His peace. No matter what happens or what will happen, we have a promise of peace.
3. The Provision of Peace
Jesus came so we could have peace with God and the peace of God. Peace with God is found when we come into a right relationship with Him.
In Romans 5:1 we see peace with God when Paul penned, Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…
Paul describes the peace of God for us in Philippians 4:7 when he writes, "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." That word guard is a military term that applies to watching over something and not allowing anything to attack or come in.
This Christmas season, when all the gifts have been unwrapped and put away, when the sounds of the season have faded, and we go back to the grind of life and all that a new year brings, that peace those angels sang about on that glorious night can be ours all year long. Peace on earth.
Bishop Travis Gore
State Ministries Director
Virginia Church of God State Office