Every year at this time we hear Linus (in the Charlie Brown Christmas special) recite the verse from Luke 2 of the King James version – “Peace on the earth, goodwill to men.” We sing it in the carol “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear.” BUT clearly the people of earth did not experience peace the day that Jesus was born and there is anything but peace on earth today. So, what were the angels declaring that night so long ago?
Jesus himself said, “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.” (Luke 24:6-8 ESV) And yet, Jesus came to bring to peace on earth. Many Old Testament prophecies, specifically those in the book of Isaiah, talk about the fact that the Messiah’s purpose is to bring peace to this planet. So what was the message that the angels declared that starry night?
Part of the problem of our understanding begins with the way the King James version translates the Luke 2:14 passage. Better translations like the English Standard Version (ESV) instead says, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” What then is this Christmas peace — the peace of which the angels spoke? It is the peace that may be experienced by the people of God’s goodwill, between people of faith. This kind of peace begins with and comes from God and is experienced relationally within His family. Like that Christmas Eve in 1914 during World War I when soldiers on both sides of the front sang the carol, put down their arms, and shared a peace that transcends human understanding.
So even though it hasn’t happened yet on an international level or even a national level, it can happen on a personal level. You can experience God’s peace in your life—regardless of all that is happening in the world around you. Our nation is at risk of attack from enemies foreign and domestic, yet you can experience peace. There may be turmoil at the office or conflict in your home, yet you can experience peace…God’s peace…peace that Paul describes as “peace which passes understanding.” Because that peace comes not from our surroundings or our circumstances but comes down from our God.
Do you hear the bells they’re ringing?
Open up your heart and hear them.
Peace on earth, goodwill to men
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