Our Blog

By: Pastor Berg

We all know the words so well.  Our children share them with us every year.  “In those days, Caesar Augustus issued a decree…”  On they go for twenty verses.  We sit and listen and say the words right along with them. We especially love the part when they say “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men…” So well we know that familiar Christmas story.  But have we lost the meaning behind them?  Has the story become too familiar?

The lead stories in the news are filled with wars and rumors of wars. Local news stories will show the madhouse the holiday shopping scene has become.  The month of December is packed with this party and that gathering.  There is so much to do and it seems so little time.  Christmas becomes a month or more of build-up and anticipation so that by the time it arrives, we can’t wait for it to be over.  Where has the peace gone?

Christmas peace isn’t found in any store.  Christmas peace isn’t obtained when your shopping is complete.  Christmas peace isn’t brokered between two warring nations.  Christmas peace is found in the little child lying in the manger.  The angel host proclaimed, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14).  Peace on earth to men on whom God’s favor rests.  What does it mean?  It’s not talking about world peace or labor peace or peace in our families, but rather peace between man and God; peace that comes only through Jesus.

Jesus’ birth was the beginning of God’s plan to reconcile the world to himself, in other words to bring peace.  Because of sin, mankind and God were bitter enemies.  But God changed that relationship by sending Jesus to remove that barrier of sin.  God gave Jesus to the whole world.  Paul tells us in second Corinthians, “We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:20-21).

Because of God’s work of reconciliation through Jesus, we are no longer his enemies, but we are at peace with him.  That’s the promise that the angels were retelling to those shepherds out in their fields.  Isaiah first told us, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). And that child was born and lived and when he was ready to offer up his life for the sins of the world, to carry out the final action in God’s reconciliation plan he told his disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). 

During these upcoming Advent and Christmas seasons, don’t let your Christmas preparations become chaos.  Instead, quiet your hearts and find the Prince of Peace who made you at peace with God.  “But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:10-14).