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 among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:13-14 ESV)
In a season crammed with hectic days, it’s such sweet gift to settle into quiet repose at day’s end. Whether it’s relaxing under the steady glow of Christmas tree lights, or lounging in the warmth of a mesmerizing fire, or gazing at gently falling snow.
The importance of peace can’t be overstated—whether relational peace, inner peace, or peace and quiet. But the most important peace upon which all others hinge is that of peace with God. And now that the Prince of Peace has come, that peace is possible! As Zechariah proclaimed, the “knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of sins” has come to us “because of the tender mercy of our God” (Luke 1:77-78a). Jesus has come “to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace” (Luke 1:79).
The angel’s message carried assuring words of peace. The words Jesus shared in the Upper Room the eve of His arrest He shared so His disciples would have peace in this world of trouble and tribulation (John 16:33).
But the greater gift of peace, the reconciliation between sinners and their Holy Creator, is a valuable one . . . a treasured one . . . an expensive one—for it cost Jesus His life. The punishment He endured—punishment that is justly ours—bought us peace (Isaiah 53:5).
Apart from the Christ, there is no peace. No, we have peace only because of Him. And only when we are in Him.
That peace is to permeate our lives. Because of His peace, and through the Spirit, we are to pursue peace (2 Timothy 2:22). We are to be peaceable (Titus 3:2) and live peaceful lives (1 Timothy 2:2). We can do so grounded in the same hope as Simeon’s. For we can confidently say with him, “Now, Lord, you can dismiss your servant in peace” (Luke 2:29). We can face death in peace, knowing we have come to the Christ and now “know His salvation.” After all, isn’t that our greatest fear? Through His death, Jesus destroyed the one holding the power of death and “freed those held captive all their lives by the fear of death” (Hebrews 2:14-15).
This peace you possess is with you even amid chaos and noise. So, let’s add to the cacophony a song of praise for this magnificent gift!
Merciful God, keep in perfect peace those who trust in You (Isaiah 26:3). Guide our feet in the path of peace (Luke 1:79), showing us how to possess the peacemaking qualities of Your kingdom.
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