Peace - The Prince of Peace
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:7
Life in first-century Palestine was hardly peaceful. It’s not difficult to imagine the shepherds’ conversation around the fire as they watched over their flocks that first Christmas night so many years ago. How long must we live in fear? When will this ever end? Why does God allow such horrible things to happen to us? Will peace ever come to our people? Our families? Ourselves? But in the midst of tough questions, doubts, and worries, God breaks through the darkest hour of their night with an angel to reassure them.
With the Lord’s glory shining all around, the angel tells shepherds — and you — that God isn’t ignorant of your circumstances. He knows you are scared, but you don’t need to be afraid because He is in control. Your Messiah is here! And then those famous words from Luke 2:14 — "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." To a girl in Syria who just lost both her parents and a little brother in a bombing, these words promise the war will end.
For a mother whose heart has been ripped apart by a drug addiction, they signal the end of guilt and a reason to hope. For you and me — and the whole earth — this is a priceless Christmas gift. Let us rejoice and give glory to God: the Savior is born, the Prince of Peace has come!