Day 22, Read Luke 2:13-14

What did God mean when He announced through His angels, “peace, goodwill toward men?”  Why do many translations read, “peace among men with whom He is pleased” (NASV).  The intended parallelism (see the table on the previous page) is better brought out in the NASV, as seen in the entire verse: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.

 

If you take the traditional translation (and on earth peace, goodwill to men) we end up with “civil religion” where God gives these blessings to all men.  We might say, “If it would just be Christmas every day there would be peace on earth.”  Henry Wadsworth Longfellow had this in mind when his son was seriously wounded in the Civil War.  Wadsworth found comfort in hearing the bells on Christmas day.  He seems to speak, as many others have, of people having the blessings of Christianity without necessarily bowing to the Savior.

But the Bible does not indicate this.  It tells us “peace” requires a relationship with Christ.  In other words, “peace” comes to those who have experienced the saving grace of God through faith in Christ.  This is true in every aspect of peace.

·        Peace with God: Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:1).

·        Peace with ourselves: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:6-7).

·        Peace among nations: For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this (Isa. 9:6-7).

By the time Christ came into the world God had given mankind enough time to learn that everything they truly desired was unattainable in their own ability.  To this day there is no reason for any other conclusion.  In a day when knowledge is increasing astronomically we find more people mentally and emotionally challenged than ever.  After not one but two horrible world wars and many other conflagrations in which countless numbers have been massacred, it is amazing that peace between nations is nowhere to be found.  The Bible says that man’s inherent sinfulness is his problem and there will be no peace until he has come to resolve the rebellion against the Creator.  That is the good news the angels brought.  God was bringing peace but it would and could only be for those on whom the favor of His grace rested.  It would come through the Savior.