A wonderful peace

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests." Lk.2:14

That was the message of the angels to the shepherds on the night Christ was born. But what kind of "peace" were they heralding?

The world Jesus was born into knew little peace. In fact, shortly after Jesus' birth a maniacal King Herod ordered the slaughter of the innocent in an attempt to kill this newly-born "king."

Since then there has been destruction and wars between nations, hatred and racism between peoples. So exactly what peace were the angels announcing?

The peace that was proclaimed was the most important peace humanity could ever desire. It was the possibility of peace with God!  According to Scripture, sin (and we "all sin and fall short of the glory of God”) has alienated us from God. We failed to live a sinless and perfect life by deed and desire. All sin must be punished — and God is judge, jury and executioner.

But God is also love. As the Apostle John wrote; "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall have eternal life." Jn.3:16. It's as if in Christ Jesus, God in the flesh, He offers Himself as an olive branch, and offers us salvation and an opportunity to be reconciled. By grace through faith in Christ, believers pass over from death and judgment to life and blessing. Christ takes our sin and gives to us His robe of perfection. Believers then stand secure as children of God and co-heirs with Christ!(Rom.8:17). St. Paul declares "Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus," (Rom.8:1) That is the wonderful peace the angels were singing about. That is the true and beautiful message of Christmas! 

The Rev. Bob Walderman is the pastor of the Lynbrook Baptist Church.