“Peace on earth, goodwill to men,” angelic voices proclaimed above the grazing grounds outside of the quaint town called Bethlehem (Luke 2:14). Their proclamation was heard by only a few and understood by less. This supernatural moment marked the beginning of the well-known Christmas story. Though picturesque moments of Christmas are often a part of our experience, Christmas today is a far reality from the world into which the angels announced Jesus’ arrival. Did peace truly come to earth? 

This question concerns us as much today as it did the communities of ancient Israel. If the peace wasn’t delivered by liberation from oppressors, then how did it enter our world? The peace that the angels spoke of was not a political peace, rather it was an offer extended to a restless humanity.