Peace on Earth

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.  (Luk 2:14 KJV)

God sent angels to a few shepherds who were attending their sheep at night. The angels came to a group of not very esteemed people, to announce the birth of the promised Messiah. Jesus spoke of Himself as our shepherd, of us as sheep. It is appropriate that shepherds were among those to whom the birth of Messiah was announced.

But what of this greeting? Were the angels announcing that there would be peace on earth between men? Not hardly, actually Jesus stated that He had not come to bring peace between men, but a sword. That’s a man’s foes would be those of his own household.

Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.  (Mat 10:34 KJV)

What then did the angels mean by their greeting? Jesus came to bring an end of the law to everyone that trusted in Him. It was the law that condemned man, but also pointed us to our redeemer. The angels were announcing that the enmity between God and man was coming to an end.

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.  (Rom 10:4 KJV)

Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.  (Rom 4:15 KJV)

Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;  And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:  (Eph 2:15-16 KJV)

We joyfully celebrate the birth of our redeemer, who reestablished relationship between God and man. A relationship based not on what we do, but on what He did. We actually cannot do anything to gain relationship with God, it is prohibited. If we attempt to establish relationship with God, then we are under the law and not under grace.

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.  (Gal 2:16 KJV)

Our relationship with our Father God, is like the relationship between earthly parents and their young children. A young child knows nothing of a debt owed for what is provided for them. Jesus said that unless we come to God as young children, then we cannot come at all.

Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.  (Mar 10:15 KJV)

We are joint-heirs and therefore co-laborers with our Lord Jesus, and as we mature by having our minds renewed by the Word of God; we get to do the things He did and even greater things. We cannot earn relationship; we cannot earn provision from God; it is all a free gift (grace).

Holy Spirit came to teach us, to lead us into all truth, to show us things to come, and to comfort us. So, ask Holy Spirit to lead you into the truth of your redemption; and enjoy celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus the Messiah.