“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.  – Luke 2:11-14

We hear these verses so often at this time of year. We read them in the Bible; we hear the pastor say them; we sing them in so many Christmas carols. But what is the peace spoken of here? What good will toward men?

Everyone talks about it – Christians and unbelievers alike. Freedom from war. Personal happiness and fulfillment. Treating your neighbour the way you want to be treated. Brotherly love.

The peace and good will God is talking about goes far, far beyond what we usually think of when we hear those words. Jesus came to earth to bring God’s peace… redemption from the muck and mire of sin in our lives. When we are thus freed and forgiven, and we understand what it means – only then can we exercise true good will toward others.

Kaleb Brasee one of my favourite pianists, and I particularly enjoy this rendition of O Holy Night.

I’ve always loved this beautiful song, but never more than this year, when I’ve seen an utter lack of peace and good will even among some believers.

As is often the case with hymns, the last verse comes closest to telling the real reason our Lord Jesus Christ came to the earth.

Truly He taught us to love one another,

His law is love, and His gospel is peace,

Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother,

And in His name all oppression shall cease.

True peace and freedom from the chains of sin can never occur if we are not true to the whole of God’s Word. If we pick and choose what we believe, and disregard other parts, He cannot and will not bless us with that peace that comes only from Him. How often our prayers, our words, and our actions do not come from a heart that is open and honest before Him. We may not even realize ourselves, but we are praying according to our own desires, and not His. He will never bless that. He cannot. He is holy and pure, and expects the same of us. And we will never achieve that on our own. It comes from Him alone, and only when we are fully yielded to Him. Watching… waiting… and willing for His will, even if it means suffering for us.

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,

Let all within us praise His holy name.

Christ is the Lord!

Then ever, ever praise we,

His power and glory evermore proclaim!

His power and glory evermore proclaim!

May God bless you abundantly with His peace this month, so that you will be able to share Him with others, thereby exercising true good will toward men.