This is part of the series The Gifts Of The Holidays: Celebrating Thanksgiving And Christmas. Read more from the series!
There are several gifts that God gives us that are closely tied to Christ’s birth. Over the next couple of weeks, we will look at several of them.
The first of that comes to mind is the gift of peace.
Luke 2:14 says:
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace to men on whom His favor rests.
The angels cried peace on the night of Christ’s birth. But what does that mean?
Dictionary.com defines peace as…
A state of mutual harmony between people or groups, especially in personal relations.
That’s good, but it doesn’t quite explain just what it is that God is giving us through Christ.
Let’s take a look at a couple of other passages that describe peace.
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)
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ… (Romans 5:1)
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:15)
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)
This gives us a better understanding of peace, but still doesn’t really tell us what peace is.
The Old Testament primarily uses the word shalom for peace. This conveys the idea of security, safety, and well-being. Variations of the word can also include the idea of making complete.
Quite a bit different than the simple concept of mutual harmony…
However, in the New Testament, this idea of mutual harmony plays a very large part of what peace is. Harmony is required between us and God. Because of our sin, we are separated from God and his holiness. We need to be restored to that relationship. Through the peace of Christ, that harmony can be regained.
We often miss the depth of meaning packed into this little word. But without the gift of peace, there can be no relationship between God and mankind, or even between men.
Real peace brings contentment.
And real peace comes from knowing God. Real peace comes through Jesus Christ. Real peace comes from knowing that he loves us unconditionally. Real peace comes from receiving his total forgiveness for our sins and failures. Real peace comes from trusting Christ as our Savior.
So what the angels said was perfectly true: “peace to men on whom His favor rests!”
May you experience the peace of God this Christmas season… and beyond!
Do you feel God’s peace in your life? What, in your life, specifically, most gives you peace? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.