Peace on Earth
(Read Isaiah 9)
Hark the herald angels sing
“Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled”
Joyful, all ye nations rise
As a child, this was one of my most favorite Christmas carols. The melody and angelic choral praise resounds in such incredible emotional highs, you can’t help but not be drawn in. Over time, my favorites have changed, but the power behind the words of that song still move me. We often get stuck on the “peace on earth” concept. After all, what an effective selling point penned by Methodist founders Charles Wesley and George Whitefield. For many, the Christmas season is attributed to kindness and peace which is why it’s so appealing to the world. Everyone loves the festivities, joyful songs, blinking lights, and giving. What about the peace? As a believer I think it’s important to consider what kind of peace God had in mind with Jesus’ birth?
Last week, I mentioned the four candles of the Advent wreath observed by some Christian traditions. According to some, the second candle is knoen as the candle of preparation or the candle of peace. We embellish the promise of peace on earth and wishes of “good will to men” especially during Christmas. Even folks who don’t claim to be Christian warm up to this seasonal principle which I think is perfectly fine. It’s actually a great opportunity for believers to show what this peace means, the effect it has on us, and how to find it.
For to us a child 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
For centuries, the Jewish people were seeking a Messiah who would conquer their oppressors (whether Egyptian, Babylonian, Chaldean, or Roman) to deliver peace for their nation. They were looking for a military man of might who would Lord over their enemies. Some 700+ years before the birth of Jesus, a man named Isaiah prophesied about the birth of a future Messiah King. He gave Jesus several titles that we’re familiar with today, but what about the “Prince of Peace?”
In Luke’s Gospel he recorded in Chapter 19 that Jesus wept for the residents of Jerusalem because they confused the peace He offered them with a physical deliverance of earthly peace. Jerusalem, a city steeped in Jewish tradition that knew better, rejected Jesus. They were probably waiting for a better offer. The primary focus of Jesus’ first advent was to bring about reconciliation between God and sinners. Christ’s arrival as a helpless baby, which ended with His sacrifice on the cross, gave the world promise of true peace, but we need to look further ahead, towards Christ’s second advent to see eternal and everlasting peace.
Early in World War I, the “war to end all wars,” there was a brief Christmas truce where hostilities ceased in the trenches between British, French, and German soldiers. Men from both sides exchanged stories, souvenirs, and food in no-mans land. Aside from prayers and Christmas carols, there were prisoner swaps and even joint burial ceremonies. Some soldiers have claimed it was the most memorable event in their lives. Not long after, the war resumed. It continued until 1918, claiming an estimated 20,000,000 soldier and civilian lives.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27
Where is this peace on earth that the angels proclaimed? World wars resumed. Violence between fighting nations continues. 2,000+ years after Jesus, conflict still continues to drive a wedge of darkness into humanity. Jesus’ arrival did not bring about earthly peace from a human perspective, but His promise of the perfect peace will happen when every knee bows and confesses Jesus Christ is Lord. Today’s good news Christmas message is that the “Prince of Peace” came to provide the way for us to have peace with God. Jesus gives all His believers the way to experience inner peace. As His children in His image, we become the kind of people who can and should live in peace with others.
Temporary political peace won’t satisfy us. Blaise Pascal said that we have a huge hole in our hearts that can’t be filled by money, success, fame, food, or pleasure. It can only, be filled by Jesus.
Some churches set aside a few minutes of each service for “sharing of the peace.” You might be greeted with anything from a simple smile, “Hi how are you?” “Peace be with you,” or just “Peace.” As a scheduled part of a service, it can become routine and depending upon your attitude, feel forced. What can be missed though is the point that this fellowship is meant to be sharing God’s Peace. Once again, it’s not about us first. Everything stems from Christ’s peace, top down.
For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,
Ephesians 2:14
Jesus’ presence turned the world upside down. He broke down traditional walls of rituals and ceremonies. He broke down the pride of culture and communities in order to point them toward His peace. When I contemplate the candle of peace, I think about slowing down. I think about quiet. I think about the peace Jesus gives me, both now and the promise of permanent, everlasting peace to come. Believers should be the example of Christ’s peace to others in this world. I urge myself to not feel the need to outdo someone else or even what I have done before. It should be easier for Christians to exude Christ’s peace to others because we’re living with that peace within us.
Extending peace isn’t a matter of feeling good, peaches and cream happiness (although that’s ok), it’s about vertical and then horizontal peace. It’s been said that you can’t love others if you don’t love yourself. The same applies to peace. Can you be at peace with others if you’re not feeling it first from God? By the grace of God, Christmas gives us peace with God so we can go out in the world and make peace with our neighbors. Peace isn’t an artificial or greeting card feeling. It’s real, it’s from God, it’s for all, and it’s forever.
Mild he lays his glory by,
Born that man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
Risen with healing in his wings,
Light and life to all he brings,
Hail, the Sun of Righteousness!
Hail, the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing — Charles Wesley and George Whitefield
Key Applications:
- Whether you do this in church or not, share Christ’s peace with someone you know and someone you don’t know. You don’t have to say, “Peace be with you,” just say something warm and welcoming. Jesus called you to do this.
- Read Isaiah 9. As you read it, meditate on the awesomeness of Jesus Christ that was prophesied so long ago. Meditate on the promise of perfection that will blend all contention, hatred, and selfishness into peace.
- Each day this week, thank Jesus for His peace, accept it, and share it.
Where else in your life can you live out the teachings of Christ? Look for next week’s Devotion.