The Roman Empire in the 1st century was pursuing the same thing that God pursued when He sent Jesus Christ into the world: peace on earth. However, the Roman Empire's idea of peace was very different from Jesus' idea of peace. Likewise, the 21st century American idea of peace is very different from Jesus' idea of peace. Jesus came to bring true peace to the world, but he was not born into a modest family instead of a royal family; he was surrounded by animals at his birth rather than a doctor or extended family; and he was placed in a manger instead of a crib. The world brings about "peace" through fear, power, and control while Jesus brings about peace through love, humility, and selflessness.

Luke 2:1-12