On the day that Jesus was born, the angel proclaimed, “Peace on earth.” These words stir our hearts because we long for peace to come to a wartorn planet. The idea of peace brings relief to our hearts. Relief from the physical danger that could at anytime overtake us. Relief from the strain of the constant vigilance that is required in order to keep ourselves safe. Relief from the strain that war brings between people, and the death that comes as a result. The thought of peace on earth is a thought worth celebrating. Jesus’ appearance on the earth not only initiated the promise that one day all wars would cease. It also addressed our deeper need for peace: peace with God. Peace with God means relief from the fear that one day we will be condemned and cast out because of our sin and guilt. It means relief from wondering whether or not God is for us. It means relief from the uncertainty of life because we can be assured that God is working all things for our good. Jesus appeared to bring us peace with God through His sacrificial life, death, and resurrection. All of that began on that first Christmas day. This second week of Advent, we celebrate Jesus as our peace. We joyfully anticipate that Jesus, the Prince of Peace, will one day bring a final and global peace. We also celebrate that Jesus’ appearance on this earth brings peace with God and peace with one another to all who embrace Him.