Peace On Earth

Opening illustration: Review my life: 1970-71 was the Indo-Pak war and my family and I were in the war-zone living most of the nights in blackouts and bunkers when the war planes would come. 1980’s (for a decade) national unrest and civil war. 1990-91 we were just married and thrust into region of the first Gulf War and the second. Since then and now we have witnessed numerous wars, terrorism and complete chaos overseas as well as in our nation. We are spiraling down pretty fast. There is no peace but confusion everywhere. There is only one through Whom peace is promised. I want to share a short narrative from the nativity story from Luke 2 which helps …

Introduction: When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the world was not the way God intended it. Into this moral and spiritual darkness Jesus came bringing life and light to all (John 1:4). Even though the world didn’t recognize Him, “to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (v. 12). (Give the narrative of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, wise men and the Israel being colonized and ruled by the Romans. Amidst all the chaos that existed, God sent His peace for each one of us. We are in a similar situation right now.)

When life is not “the way it ought to be” we are deeply saddened—when families break up, children go hungry, and the world wages war. But God promises that through faith in Christ anyone can begin to move in a new direction.

The Christmas season reminds us that Jesus, the Savior, gives the gift of life and peace to everyone who will receive and follow Him.

The word peace, or versions of the word, is used in all but one New Testament book. It seems the angels had it right when they declared, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" They were declaring God's desire for harmonious relationships between men and nations. Peace also describes friendliness, freedom from attack, order, and a sense of rest and contentment. Yet, despite the meaning and purpose, a countless number of people lack peace in their lives.

Many see and hear the sights and sounds of Christmas, and in despair they say, "There's no peace on earth." And it's not just this particular year. For centuries, people have struggled with the notion of peace on earth. During the American Civil War, Henry W. Longfellow wrote the lyrics of 'I heard the Bells on Christmas Day.' With heartfelt candor, he wrote, "For hate is strong and mocks the song, of peace on earth, good will to men." His honesty pricks my heart.

The news headlines are disparaging. The reality of war and hate among nations is too close to home. And it is sometimes hard to know what to say to those enduring this season without their loved ones for the first time. Yet despite all this, there is still a message ringing through the air: Peace On Earth.

How is Jesus the PEACE on Earth for us?

1. Brought Peace between us and our Father (Ephesians 2:13-18)

God wants us to remember that violent death, because violence is the ultimate result of paganism. It is the final expression of a godless society. Cruelty arises immediately when love and truth disappear from society. And God is simply reminding us that when humanity had done its worst, had sunk to its lowest, had vented its anger in the utter wretchedness and violence and blood of the cross, his love reached down to that very place and, utilizing that violent act, began to redeem, to call back those who were far off and bring them near -- in the blood of Christ.

Let us use a human analogy. Suppose two people have a difference and go to law about it; and the experts in the law draw up a document, which states the rights of the case, and ask the two conflicting parties to come together on the basis of that document. All the chances are that the breach will remain unhealed, for peace is seldom made on the basis of a legal document. But suppose that someone whom both of these conflicting parties love comes and talks to them, there is every chance that peace will be made. When two parties are at variance, the surest way to bring them together is through someone whom they both love. That is what Christ does. He is our peace. It is in a common love of him that people come to love each other. That peace is won at the price of his blood, for the great awakener of love is the Cross. The sight of that Cross awakens in the hearts of men of all nations love for Christ, and only when they all love Christ will they love each other. It is not in treaties and leagues to produce peace. There can be peace only in Jesus Christ.