Devotional: Peace on Earth: Luke 2:8-14
- jlmyles
- Dec 6, 2020
- 2 min read
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased” (Lk. 2:14, NASB).
As a soldier in the United States army, I serve in South Vietnam. I am there for two Christmas and two New Year celebrations. How do you celebrate a holiday when you are in a war? War is a time of conflict, hostilities, disease, injuries, and killings and death. There is anxiety, fear, and feelings of hate towards the enemy. No one is trying to form a harmonious relationship with the enemy. Yet, the US government wants the soldiers serving in the war to feel free to enjoy these two holidays that are very important to them. So, the two sides, the USA and North Vietnam agree to a “cease fire” during these days of celebration. After the cease fire is concluded, it is back to war as usual. The bullets may cease for a short period of time, but the war never ceases.
On a cold winter night shepherds are watching their flock of sheep. We have no record of what they are doing when suddenly they are interrupted by an angel standing before them. The light around the angel brings fear and terror upon the shepherds. They have never seen anything like this before, and they have no idea of what is taking place.
Their fears are relieved. The angel tells them that they should not be afraid because he comes to bring them good news. It is news that brings great joy that is available for all people. A Savior is born. He comes to bring peace to all men. God gives grace that is available to all people. This newborn babe brings peace.
This Savior comes to end the war between God and sinful humankind. The hostilities that keep God and human separated from each other are ended. The hostilities that exist between God and human also exist between people. People are at war with one another. The Savior brings peace between God and human and at the same time the Savior brings peace among men that are no longer at war with God.
Prayer: God, we thank You for Jesus our peacemaker; between You and people and among people. Amen.
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