Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Luke 2:13-14 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"
GOODWILL TOWARD MEN!
"As long as there is religion, this world will never see or know peace!" says the atheist who rejects God and also says the Bible contradicts itself with passages like this one. How can there be peace on this earth when there is so much war, hatred, and selfishness? How can you believe in a God who the world says promises a false peace?
IF you are looking for peace that comes from THIS world, you're not going to find it. People tend to try to find peace in themselves, in power, or in material goods or pleasures. None of these bring real or lasting peace. None of these things from this world will make peace between God and us. The apostle John wrote, "And the world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God abides forever" (1 John 2:17).
The multitude of angels spoke of the contrast and separation between heaven and earth, and between God and man. But that heavenly host was praising God because of His goodness, His favor, and His grace toward mankind! Why? Because God had sent His Son into the world to bring peace! This peace was bought with the blood-price of God's perfect Son, Jesus Christ, to bring peace with God and this hostile world! This peace of forgiveness is why rejoice again in the birth of our Savior and join the angels to give glory to God for His goodwill toward us all!
He spake; and straightway the celestial choir
In hymns of joy, unknown before, conspire;
The praises of redeeming love they sang,
And heaven's whole orb with alleluias rang.
God's highest glory was their anthem still,
Peace upon earth, and unto men good will.
(John Byrom, 1749, The Lutheran Hymnal, 84:3)
