Verse of the day: Luke 2:13-14, And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
If we turn on the news or read the newspaper, it does not take long before we hear or read news of some sort of conflict taking place somewhere in the world. Sadly, we see and hear about conflicts in our neighborhoods, and even in our local churches, where we as followers of Jesus are supposed to be the example of what living in peace and being peacemakers looks like. However, what we see, even amongst Christians, is a world where holding a grudge, retaliation, a lack of peace with each other, and a lack of personal peace are commonplace. This is the time of year when we celebrate the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The angel and the multitude of heavenly host brought a message of peace. Yet, since that time there has been no peace, as the world defines peace. Why is it that there is so much conflict in the world, both worldwide and personally? Well, because having peace and living in peace is a choice and most are choosing not to have it. The choice to have peace and live in peace first begins with our choice to accept Jesus as our personal Savior. The peace that these angels spoke of was, first and foremost, peace between God and men. 2 Corinthians 5:17-19 tells us, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” As born again believers, we have been reconciled to God and are now at peace with Him in Christ Jesus. We are supposed to be the example of what a life of peace looks like. Hebrews 12:14 commands, “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord”. Romans 12:17-18 also says, “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” In order to do this, we must be ready to forgive all offenses, even as God has forgiven us, and as we are told in Ephesians 4:30-32, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Note that when we are not at peace with others, we are not at peace with God, as we are told not to grieve the Holy Spirit, right before we are told to forgive one another. Quite frankly, we cannot control whether someone else is at peace with us. We cannot control the trials that God allows to come our way. However, we can choose to be at peace with others and have inner peace, regardless of the circumstances. Philippians 4:6-7 clearly admonishes, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” The bottom line is that this is the time of year when we celebrate the coming of the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). If we have a personal relationship with Him, then we really have no excuse for not being the living example of what it means to have personal peace in our lives, and what it looks like to be at peace with others, for the glory of God.
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
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