December '23 Devotional
PEACE ON EARTH
I am a bit of a Christmas nerd, I admit it! I love the festive nature of the season, especially the sounds… ah the sounds! There is nothing quite like the sound of a crackling fire as the backdrop to Bing Crosby crooning out one of the classics. In many of the songs we hear this time of year, the line "peace on earth" often turns up. It is typically (commercially) presented as a hope or dream, or a cry for people to put aside their differences for at least a season.
In watching world events take place, “peace on earth” seems unattainable and very unlikely to ever occur. In scripture, however, “peace on earth” is the fulfillment of the greatest promise ever made to man. The promise from God Himself to redeem man back into personal and intimate fellowship with Him through what Jesus came here to do. That must be our focus! The Gospel message (the “good news”) was first delivered to lowly shepherds by an angel. In the Gospel of Luke, we are told that “suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying “Glory to God in the highest, and peace, goodwill toward men.” (Luke 2: 13-14). Can you imagine this scene before the eyes of the common shepherds that God chose to reveal this too? Wow!
Even though the day is coming where Jesus will indeed establish His kingdom on earth in which we will reign with Him, what is this “peace and goodwill toward men” the host of heaven rejoiced in announcing and how can we all have peace right now from all of the worry, strive, grief, and troubles this life seems to have an endless supply of? I believe the apostle Paul gave us a very accurate and comforting definition of that true peace that is available to all those accepting of this free gift of eternal life in Christ when he wrote this:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:4-7).
What an incredible thing the Lord has done for us! Giving us direct access to Him to enjoy His unending love, protection, and a personal sealed guarantee of eternal life with Him always. In addition to this, we have the privilege of sharing this with others in goodwill toward men! Now THAT is something to celebrate!
May you celebrate Christmas by enjoying this peace in Christ and praising Him for all He has done. It is with this truth I wish you a hearty “Merry Christmas” and in my nerdy Christmas excitement, I leave you with the words of little Tiny Tim... “God bless us, everyone!”
In the precious love of Jesus,
Darryl Marini