Articles
Peace on Earth
“And the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great
joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a
Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you; you will find a baby wrapped in
cloths, and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the
heavenly host praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among
men with whom He is pleased’” (Luke 2:10-14).
The above is a reading from Scripture that is heard often at this time of year. A reminder of
the great joy in the coming of Christ to this earth. It was a coming that was prophesied thousands
of years before (actually, as early in history as Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, Gen. 3:15).
Matthew reminds his readers that Christ’s birth was a fulfillment of prophecy written in the days
of Isaiah (7:14) to King Ahaz (sometime around 736 BC).
But what draws my attention each time I read this passage is the phrase “peace among men”.
What peace do we gain from the birth of Christ? It is ironic that the peace referred to by the
angels to the shepherds finds its fulfillment at the cross, not the manger. It is with the cruel
punishment and death of Christ that we finally have peace. Even in the face of chaos, war, and
devastation there is peace in Jesus Christ. “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, nor let it be fearful” (John
14:27). It is a peace the world does not and cannot understand, unless they look to the cross.
So as we celebrate the birth of Christ and rejoice that our Savior came to earth, let us also
look to the cross and the empty tomb to find the true peace that was promised to all.
A Personal Note
Cathy and I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We are
thankful for the saints who meet in Monticello. You are an encouragement to us each day as we
work along side of you serving our Lord and Master. Great things are on the horizon for the
church here. Let us be devoted to prayer, seeking the Lord’s mercy day by day and asking the
Lord’s guidance as we begin a new year at a new location (very soon!). The fields of Monticello
are truly white with harvest, may each of us personally commit our lives to being the reapers the
Lord can send out to save the lost.
