“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”
-- The Heavenly Choir of Angels, Luke 2:14
Peace
Peace is the declaration of the Angels. The Angels claim that through the birth of Christ peace has been given to humanity.
If we look at our present day society, peace is not a term we would use as a description. Peace seems to be an unattainable concept. Peace is but a dream.
We talk about peace. We long for peace. We want peace. But no matter where we look in the world, peace can’t be found.
In truth, the world cannot offer us peace. Only Christ can offer us peace.
Christ offers us peace in three ways.
1. Peace between you and God
Romans 5:1 states, “Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
To keep this simple, Christ gives you peace with God because his death on the cross forgives you of your sins.
Sin separates you from God. The birth of Christ was the means by which humanity was brought back into a relationship with God. The birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus gives you peace with God.
2. Peace between you and others
Jesus taught that all the law and the prophets point to two things: Love of God and love of neighbor.
Therefore the birth of Christ is focused on two things: Enabling us to love God and to love one another.
The peace offered to you through Jesus Christ enables you to live in peace with others. You are given the Spirit of God that enables you to love as God.
Nope, loving others is not always easy. When I think of God loving me, I suspect it was not easy either.
3. Peace with yourself
Jesus entered into the world so that you could have peace with yourself. There is simply something about the peace that comes knowing that you have been forgiven of your sins, that God dwells with you, and that you have the promise of eternal life.
Philippians 4:7 states this peace can not be understood.
"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (NRSV).
With the peace of God given through Christ you can rest assured of your salvation.
Advent’s Trio of Peace is all about relationships - your relationship with God, others, and yourself.
