Summary: If you ask people to tell you the meaning of Christmas you're going to hear a common response: "Peace on earth!" That announcement was made by an angel to shepherds over 2000 years ago and what has changed? In the history of the world there has been more bloodshed in the last 100 years than all previous years combined. The optimists among us who believe in the inevitable progress of man either forget or ignore that the last century has seen 60 million people killed in nation vs. nation conflict. This is why Christmas is met with such eagerness. We long for peace on earth. However, people are confused by what the angel's announcement truly means. Here's the full quote from Luke's gospel: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace amongst those with whom He is pleased." The is the greatest proclamation ever made. It was given to lowly shepherds which tells us this peace is available to all people. We also understand this peace is not between nations or between people but it is between us and God. It is for those with whom God is pleased. How do we please God? By accepting the peace offering of His son Jesus Christ. Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1 How would others know you have peace with God? Answer - you become a peacemaker. You don't have to wait for others to initiate. God went to the greatest length possible to secure an eternal future of peace for you. So don't sweat the small stuff and by the way, even the big stuff isn't so big in light of the fact that you're life's biggest challenge has already been overcome. You have peace with God!
