Article: Peace on Earth for Who?

stable-influence

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to all on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:13-14

Most of you know where these two verses come from: The Christmas story. This is what the angels said to the unsuspecting shepherds in the fields around Bethlehem. I don’t think it is an exaggeration to say that the angel encounter might have scared them half to death! They were terrified and I can’t blame them. You know how I feel about angels. A little cherub would send me running for the hills.

After the announcement of the Savior’s birth and instructions on how to find the baby Jesus, the angel grabs the microphone and begins to praise God singing, “Glory to God in the highest….” I think it is safe to say the angel burst into song and his backup singers arrived just in time to… well, you know, back him up.

I find this to be an interesting song to sing. Maybe it is a classic in heaven? I could think of better songs to announce the birth of Jesus. This one just doesn’t roll off the tongue. Maybe it rhymed in Aramaic when the shepherds heard it sung the first time?

The song begins, “Glory to God in the highest…” Glory is an interesting word. It has multiple meanings. Glory is something bestowed on someone who is deserving of an honor. Yet when we talk of God’s glory, we are talking about God’s perfection.

In this case the angels are saying- because God sent himself to us—God deserves the highest praise possible. As if to say, “Our God is an awesome God!” I completely agree. It is the next verse that throws me.

“…and on earth peace to all on whom his favor rests.” The angel wishes peace upon all who follow God. The less accurate translations say, “Peace on earth, goodwill to all.” Most of us know that version because it is still sung in the Christmas hymn “Hark the Herald, Angels Sing.” I like it better too because it is a blessing for everyone. Unfortunately, the Bible doesn’t say that.

The angel’s proclamation states (wishes) that all who have garnered God’s favor should be peaceful. I guess it kind of makes sense since the baby Jesus is known as the Prince of Peace.

Here is the interesting thing about peace, it is not the absence of war. That is called a truce. Jesus is not the “Prince of Truces” and the angels didn’t sing, “a truce on earth for all whom God likes a lot.” Peace is something that takes more work than a truce.  Peace, like war must be waged. It is an active pursuit. Seriously! How did Jesus wage peace? He died for the sins of the world. That is active! He was all in.

Peace means getting along with others, not just co-existing. I would like to think that Jesus the Prince of Peace not only loved the world but He liked us too.

Above all, we need more peace in this world. We can’t wait for Jesus to return. Let’s wage some peace this season and in the coming year by being kind and compassionate to all.

Jesus is anything but neutral. He is not the “Prince of Truces.” Let’s show the world this Christmas what peace looks like.

God bless,
Pr. Ben

 

 

 

 

 

 

0Shares