Peace...Goodwill

Verse of the day: Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

The announcement of our Saviors birth! What an event to witness! The announcement made to the least likely recipients of that day...shepherds; yet, what a message it was! A message that still applies today. Glory to God. A message of praise for our God, the One who is greatest of all, as there is none who compares, nor is His equal. On earth peace. When we look around today, we can readily say that there is no peace. Why? Well, because the peace spoken of is peace between God and man. At the Savior's coming we were yet sinners, lost in our sin. It was while we were yet sinners, that Jesus came and proved His love toward us, by dying for us (Rm 5:8). Jesus was very clear in Matthew 10:34 that He did not come to bring peace on earth, but a sword. Many of us have experienced this sword via persecution from family, and friends, when we have turned from our old ways, and beliefs, and followed Jesus. Yes, we can have peace, but that peace is with God. We can have peace of mind. We can even have some semblance of peace with our brothers & sisters in Christ. However, true peace among men will only be realized once Jesus establishes His Kingdom on earth, and more so when He creates the new heaven & earth. Goodwill toward men. God has demonstrated His goodness toward us by giving us the greatest gift man could ever receive, eternal life through Jesus, His only begotten Son. This time of year is a wonderful time to not only be reminded of God's love for us, but also gives us a great opportunity to share with others what Jesus did in coming to us. The greatest gift we can give for Christmas is the opportunity for someone to receive the greatest Gift of all...Jesus as Savior and Lord. The duty of bringing peace, and good will toward others is now in our hands. Today, let us ask God to lead us to those He wants us to share the Message with. There are those around us whose hearts God has already prepared to receive the Message. Let us be careful, as His ambassadors, to share that Message with as many as He puts before us; not just in word, but also in attitude and deed; that Jesus be lifted up in our lives, that He may draw them to Himself.