CHRISTMAS – PEACE ON EARTH

We live in a world where peace and tranquility is what everyone is yearning and seeking for, yet, peace is precisely what is eluding us. We live in a world that is plunged into chaos and confusion. It appears to have an order and a system, but if we observe closely, we are plunging into deeper problems than ever. 
– “Historians might quibble over the exact details, but by most accounts, there are no periods in history that have been free from war. Much of recorded history has also been filled with imperial or colonial occupations, where a powerful nation uses force to rule over other nations.” – Dr. Robert Simpson

The birth of the Christ Child comes as a refreshing oasis in the midst of a harsh, ruthless and punishing desert. The birth of the Redeemer, the LORD Jesus Christ, has paved the way for peace to take root in our world. This is what the angelic host sang to the scared shepherds of Bethlehem.
– “8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” – Luke 2:8-14

The world cannot give us peace. This is precisely the reason for God to become flesh and blood – John 1:14. What the world offers as peace, is not even a temporary peace. It could well be called, monetary peace. The reason why the world cannot give us peace is because, it doesn’t address the root causes for the lack of peace in the world. The problem is in the heart of man. The heart of man is without peace because of the broken relationship with God our Creator. Therefore, we can never have peace, unless this broken relationship is restored, and the work of transformation begins deep within our hearts. 
– “While the emperor may give peace from war on land and sea, he is unable to give peace from passion, grief, and envy; he cannot give peace of heart, for which man yearns for more than even outward peace.” – Epictetus, a first century Greek philosopher

Peace in the world has become a reality, because of the arrival of the Saviour. The LORD Jesus Christ has restored the broken relationship with our Creator, which paves the way for peace with God. This restored relationship makes it possible for God to work in our lives, and begin the work of divine transformation of our hearts. This transformation of our hearts will help us to have peace with God, and with our fellow human beings. 

A point to note – this work of transformation is not automatic. It is conditional upon our yielding to God, and allowing Him a freehand to work in us. The greater our surrender to God, the greater the transformation in us. When we surrender ourselves to God, and obey Him by doing what He is asking of us, then His work begins to bear fruit in us, which will transform the way we relate with others around us. This bring the much needed peace which the world yearns for.

The above process is called sanctification, where the unwanted, useless, worthless, wicked and evil heart and its motives, which are part of our human nature, are removed from us, and are given a new heart, a new attitude, a new thinking, and a new way of life. Is this not “good news of great joy?” It sure is dear brothers and sisters. 
– “27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” – John 14:27

May we ever be grateful and thankful to the LORD for the Saviour, who is born to redeem us, and to give us this precious and priceless peace. HalleluYah!!!