READ: ISAIAH 9:6; LUKE 2:1-20; JOHN 14:27

“Peace on earth” is a common phrase on Christmas cards. Usually it’s accompanied by a picture of a dove or a nativity scene with Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus in a manger. As I reached my older teen years, I felt like “peace on earth” was a ridiculous thing to say. After all, evil doesn’t stop because it’s the Christmas season. People still do evil things. Sickness and death take their toll. And for many people, getting ready for Christmas day generates anything but peace. Why would anybody say “peace on earth” during Christmastime?

The events leading up to Jesus’s birth weren’t calm either. The Romans ruled their vast empire with an iron fist, and the Jews were under severe oppression. But in the midst of all this, angels appeared to a group of shepherds one night, “praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests’” (Luke 2:13-14).

The angels announced the birth of the Savior, and they talked about peace because Jesus would bring the peace everyone longs for. In Isaiah 9:6, we see that one of Jesus’s names is the “Prince of Peace.” That doesn’t mean He’ll take away all difficult situations immediately; in fact, He told us that we would face tough times. But it does mean He’ll give us peace in all circumstances. And one day, when Jesus returns, He will restore the heavens and the earth. Then all things will finally be at peace.

When Jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave to pay the price for our sins, He paved the way for peace. When we put our trust in Jesus, peace enters our lives and fills our hearts. Peace on earth is possible through Jesus, and we can have it any time. • Morgan A. Mitchell

• Can you think of a time you’ve experienced God’s peace? What was that like? If you’ve never experienced His peace, or if it’s been a while since you have, consider taking a moment to talk to Him about it.

• We live in a broken world where we often feel anything but peaceful. Yet, as we wait for Jesus to return, we can rest knowing that He has promised to always be with us. He doesn’t scold us when we feel stressed or afraid. Instead, He has so much compassion on us, and He reminds us of His presence, His love, and His peace through His Holy Spirit, His Word (the Bible), and His people (the church). Who are trusted Christians in your life you can be honest with when you feel unpeaceful? And how can you offer compassion and peace to others? (If you want to dig deeper, read John 16:33; Romans 5:1; 15:13; Philippians 4:4-9; Revelation 21:1-5.)

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14 (NIV)