Read
“And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and 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 among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:12–14)
Reflect
Between 1914 and 1918, Europe was decimated by the worst war in human history. So horrific was it that people wistfully referred to it as “the war to end all wars.” Little did they know that, within a few decades, this period of carnage would have to be renamed “World War I” to distinguish it from an even bloodier conflict.
Ever since sin entered the world, peace has been fleeting. Fallen men are so prone to violence that a righteous sword is required to restrain them (Rom. 13:1–7). And yet our hearts yearn for paradise lost, where the lion ate straw like an ox and there was nothing to hurt or destroy in all God’s holy mountain (Isa. 65:25; cf. Gen. 1:30). Thankfully, God’s prophets have promised us a new and better Eden is coming, where “nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore” (Isa. 2:4; Mic. 4:3; cf. Isa. 11:6–9).
A quick glance at the newspaper should convince us that this prophecy belongs to the “not yet” aspect of the kingdom. And yet meditating on passages like Luke 2:14 should also convince us that God is already restoring peace to the earth in some measure. There is a group of people “with whom [God] is pleased,” among whom true shalom exists. We call them the church—all those who by faith have embraced the “Prince of Peace” as their Savior (Isa. 9:6).
As those justified by faith, we now have peace with God (Rom. 5:1). Our reconciliation to God reconciles us to each other—Christ has “broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility . . . that he might create in himself one new man . . . so making peace” (Eph. 2:14–15). His peace toward us allows us to extend peace to others.
As those justified by faith, we now have peace with God. Our reconciliation to God reconciles us to each other.
This doesn’t make peace automatic or easy. If it did, many of the exhortations in Paul’s epistles would never have been written. But it’s who we are. Our task as Christians is to increasingly become like Christ, to walk worthy of our calling, and to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:3). By the Spirit, we pursue peace with our enemies and make war on the passions that cause quarrels among us (Gal. 5:16; James 4:1).
However, the “war to end all wars” has already been fought. It was launched on Christmas, won on Good Friday, and proclaimed on Easter morning. And though it awaits its full consummation, we see tiny previews of it every time we forgive one another, or baptize a new convert, or commune around the Lord’s Table. May these glimpses of his grace awaken our hearts in praise: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14).
Respond
In what practical ways can you seek to maintain peace among the Christians in your local church? Does peace characterize your life online in the way you relate to others?
Rejoice
Hark! the herald angels sing
“Glory to the newborn King
Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!”
– Charles Wesley, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”
