When the angels brought the message of Christ’s arrival to Earth, the world was far from peaceful. There was political tension, people taken prisoner for their faith, famine, border conflicts, and the like. Yet they talked about peace anyway… why?
Simply because (as Jesus would later echo) peace and joy come from God. They are held within the heart… where famine or wars or threats of terrorism can’t affect them. That message of peace being declared angelically that first Christmas was a harbinger… letting the people know that from that moment forward, the enemy would lose his power over the hearts of the world. Jesus had come. And the peace that He brought would be complete. Love, grace, forgiveness, mercy, and strength would overtake chaos… and the planet would never be the same.
Today’s world may look like it’s slowly pulling apart at the seams… but the same God who sent His Son that first Christmas day still reigns. His joy is overwhelming and all-powerful. The peace He gives is not only all we need but attainable.
Were the angels naïve, not realizing what this world would become? No. They were messengers delivering the new definition of what real peace was… and Who was bringing it.
The world says peace is a lack of war.
Jesus says peace is a lack of worry.
And there’s no need to worry. God is in control. He’s still good all the time. And that peace that was declared over 2000 years ago can and will win out over the chaos that we see in front of us. The words on the headlines may change, but Jesus’ commitment to be there with us in the storms of life never will.
