The message of the angelic choir to the shepherds guarding their flocks on the hillsides outside of Bethlehem that very first Christmas Eve was this: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests" (Luke 2:14). This may be one of the most misunderstood statements in all of the gospel accounts.
Many have interpreted this statement to mean that Jesus came to bring peace on earth. Certainly this was what the Jews had hoped would happen. If only the presence of Rome could be expunged from their land real peace would come. Others reasoned that if the power of the Roman tax collectors could be eliminated, then there would be financial peace. And still others hoped that there might be relief from the oppressive legalistic practices the Pharisees had imposed upon the people, all in the name of a "loving" God.
Did Jesus Christ come to bring peace to the world? If one examines the historical evidence, the answer is a most assured "no!" Even Jesus Himself died at the hands of violent Roman executioners. Within three decades of His death, the Roman armies destroyed the city of Jerusalem and its temple and sent tens of thousands of Jews to either their death or to slavery. And, how many wars have there been since then? How many people have been killed in those wars? The answer would be countless millions. Peace - hardly!
What about those who cried out for relief from the oppressive legalistic practices of the religion of the day? It seems that the rules became more oppressive, especially after the temple with its ritual sacrifices was destroyed. Peace - hardly!
No much has changed in our world of the twenty-first century. Once again the world teeters on the brink of war. Reports this week included the news that the Syrians have armed 600 missiles with chemical warheads. The Iranians have announced that they will conduct war games in the Persian Gulf and will close the Straits of Hormuz to all shipping. Sectarian violence continues in many parts of the world. Even within our own country we have seen thousands take to the streets, often using violence, to voice their strong disapproval for the widening gap between the "haves and the have-nots." Peace in our time - hardly likely!
So, what was the message of the angelic choir that night? Let's reread the carol: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." Earthly peace - no! Religious peace - no! A restored relationship with God - absolutely! Jesus Christ came as a savior, not as a king. He came to change the hearts of men, not to change the circumstances of men. He came to do that which mankind could not do for themselves. He came so that, those who would believe in Him, might know the peace of God. That they might know that the condemnation of an angry God was removed forever. Paul expressed it this way: "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1).
Will the world ever experience the peace that its seeks? Yes, that will occur when Jesus Christ returns to claim His throne. Then He shall be known as the Prince of Peace. But until that day, we celebrate this Advent Season the wonderful news of the peace we can have with God. May we not take this gift lightly.
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