Prince of Peace

“’This will be a sign to you: You will find the baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.’”
Luke 2:12-14 (NIV)

Can you imagine a group of humble shepherds standing on a hill, enjoying the most amazing angelic concert in history? 

And then, as if that were not enough, the curtains of heaven are pulled back and there is this heavenly choir? The word used in this verse for “host” in Luke 2:13 is the word for “ten thousand,” which was the highest number the Greeks had any word for. 

Can you imagine what it must have looked and sounded like for up to 10,000 angels to be singing the first Christmas carol in divine harmony? It is not only the sound that made this carol great. The song declares a message of glory and peace for you.

As a result of Christmas, God has offered you the greatest gift you could ever receive–peace on earth. The “peace” referred to in this verse is not primarily referring to peace of mind. It does not mean the absence of trouble, because any peace like that is only temporary. What these angels were singing about was peace with God.  

Peace treaties have been signed and peace treaties have been broken. The peace that money can buy and earthly pleasures can bring eventually wears off. But when you have peace with God you will have the peace of God that will always be with you, even when trouble is all around you.

You can experience lasting peace in this life because you are at complete peace with the One who brought you into this life. You can receive it from the Prince of Peace because His offer is clear and compelling today through the power of the Holy Spirit.

He was born in a manger 2,000 years ago but the need for peace never wears out. You can receive it in an instant. He is your reason to celebrate Christmas. He is your source of peace in any chaos. He is why the angels sang; and He is why you can sing today.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for the lasting peace that only Christ can bring. I receive that peace now and welcome it through the power of Your Holy Spirit. Give me the power to embrace and receive the fullness of Your everlasting peace and love right now. In Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.