Is there peace on Earth? This is a question pondered by many, particularly during the Christmas season. Yet this question, and our response to it, should be considered year round. Before we address this initial question, let’s consider another one. Since Christmas is also known as a time of goodwill and giving gifts, I believe it is fitting to ask, “If you could choose any one gift and were guaranteed to receive that gift, what would it be?” Don’t answer too quickly. You only get one gift. Think about it for a minute. Maybe your response would be good health, true love, loyal friends, or financial freedom. Hold on to your response for a minute and we’ll come back to it.
Christmas – A Season of Peace on Earth
Now, back to the original question. Traditionally, Christmas is the time of year when we proclaim peace on Earth and goodwill toward men. Some of us even act on this proclamation by attempting to put our best foot forward, showing kindness and love to our fellow man. But where did this tradition originate? For many, it comes from the Bible. Some two thousand years ago, a young couple, Joseph and Mary, were in Bethlehem to take part in a census. While there, Mary gave birth to a son, Jesus, who would be called Immanuel (Matthew 1:23).
Meanwhile, shepherds were out in the fields nearby, watching over their flocks at night when an angel of the Lord appeared to them. He said, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy. A Savior has been born for you; he is the Christ the Lord.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests” (Luke 2:8-14).
Only Some Extend Peace to Others on Earth
But if “good will toward men” truly is a theme of this season, why is there so much apathy and even hatred exhibited by people toward each other in our homeland? If this is the season that ushered in “peace on Earth,” why is there so much unrest in our land of plenty? Why are people scurrying about at break-neck speed throughout this time of the year? The pace of their activities eliminates any time to notice, much less meditate on the true reason for the season.
I have to say, the scenes of Christmas I see around me stand out in stark contrast to the serene pictures on the front of most Christmas cards. Do the presents, parties, and things we accumulate provide the peace we seek? Our country is full of people who seemingly have it all (at least compared to many parts of the world) yet have no peace. There are articles galore on the Internet posing similar questions and offering a variety of answers. I guess it all depends on how you define “peace on earth.”
What is Peace?
How do you define peace? Is it loving, loyal friends; a loving family; the absence of strife in your life; long-term good health; financial security; some of the above; all of the above or something else? Is there any guarantee you can keep these things if you have them? No, there are no guarantees. These external things can produce happiness as long as they exist, but they cannot produce peace. In the alternative, if we strongly desire these things, but have not or cannot achieve them, it will produce worry at a minimum and possibly fear.
Two things that cannot co-exist are peace and fear. They are mutually exclusive. So, how do we live in the world and, at the same time, minimize or eliminate fear of those earthly things we cannot control? We must trust in and focus on the one who does control everything and loves us deeply, God Almighty. When compelling desire for worldly things and fear are replaced by focus on eternal matters, then true peace is possible. Through faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, God’s peace and his Holy Spirit reside within us; producing an internal state of security and serenity that cannot be altered by external circumstance.
God’s Peace
Maybe we, as humans, have been incorrectly defining God’s peace and those who are to be the recipients of it. At least three important points need to be made regarding this matter. First, our heavenly Father didn’t send Jesus into the world to bring peace between men. Jesus stated plainly, “I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled.. . . Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.” (Luke 12:49, 51–53).
Not All People Have God’s Peace
Second, God’s offer of peace is not to all humanity; but only “to men on whom His favors rests” (Luke 2:14). His offer of peace is not between man and man, but between himself and man; specifically those people on whom his favor rests. God’s favor rests on those who love him and his Son; those who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The Bible tells us:
- “For God says, ‘In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).
- No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also. As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he promised us – eternal life (1 John 2:23–25).
Christians Will Have Strife Even if They Have God’s Peace
Third, those who receive God’s peace does not mean they will be removed from strife, pain, or suffering in their earthly lives. In fact, Jesus told his disciples, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33). Jesus also told them, “You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved” (Matthew 10:22). Clearly, the peace of which Jesus spoke was not worldly.
But God has promised to walk through the trials with us; helping us as we have need. As the author of Hebrews writes, “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5). Furthermore, when we focus on the eternal rather than the worldly; continually recalling Jesus’s sacrifice for our sins and the eternal home that will be ours one day; then “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
An Example of Peace on Earth
Earlier, we mentioned Joseph and Mary making a required trip to Bethlehem. They were poor (Leviticus 12:6-8) (Luke 2:22-24) and Joseph wouldn’t be working during this trip. Furthermore, Mary was ready to give birth. To make matters worse, there was no guest room available for their lodging when they reached their destination (Luke 2:7). So, they had to take shelter in a manger, a stable, where baby Jesus was born.
A Trip Through Bethlehem
In my mind, I think back to that day, imagining what I might have seen. I have been on a road trip for most of the day, walking through part of Judea, when I enter a town set amidst rolling fields in the foothills of a mountain range. This place seems unusually busy. The narrow dirt and cobblestone streets are packed with local citizens, government officials, and visitors of every social class.
The air is filled with the din of music, conversation, and advertisement as the shop owners compete with the street vendors for the attention of the pedestrians. One of the street vendors welcomes me to Bethlehem, hoping I will stop and buy some of his goods. I slowly make my way through the center and then toward the far edge of town as dusk settles in. I make several more turns.
The noise is starting to fade now. As I look to my left, I notice a dim light in an alley and am drawn to it for some unknown reason. At the end of the alley I step into a shed of sorts. Near the back of the shed, bathed in candlelight, is a newborn baby. He has been wrapped in cloths and fed. He is being cradled next to his mother’s bosom as she slowly rocks. The baby lays quietly with eyes closed and his tiny hands balled up. His young mother brushes her nose across his cheeks and sings, ever so softly. Her countenance is radiant with love. She has eyes for no one, except this child. I am filled with serenity as I observe this scene.
Discovering Peace in a Manger
Suddenly, I feel like an intruder on this intimate scene. Since I haven’t been noticed yet, I quietly step back, out of the candlelight into the alley, not wanting to disturb this precious moment. I don’t know how long I stood there watching, but it is fully dark now. As I turn to leave, I hear the mother whisper a name, Yeshua (pronounced Yeh shoo’ wah).
Intuitively, I understand with certainty I have just witnessed a rare moment; true peace on earth brought to a mother by her child. Somehow, unknown to me, this peace I have witnessed is different from the usual peace experienced between mother and child. Her humble circumstance had no impact on her peace or joy. It would be another thirty-three years or so before Jesus Christ would extend that same peace to every human by dying on a cross in our place for our sins.
No matter our circumstance in life, it is temporary. Rich or poor, famous or unknown; we all go to the grave, taking with us only that which we brought into this world. But what about eternity? Where will you spend it? Is there a heaven and hell? If you believe there is no eternity; then go eat, drink, and be merry. Enjoy life because that is all there is, unless . . . the Bible is true. What then? God, our heavenly Father, desires to give all of us good gifts. As James tells us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17).
The First Christmas Gift – Peace Wrapped in Cloth
Some two thousand years ago, God offered all of us a gift that changed the history of humanity forever. This gift was the baby Jesus, born in a manger and wrapped in cloths. Jesus Christ willingly gave up all that heaven had to offer; wrapped himself in skin and bone, was born as a lowly human, lived a sinless life, and then allowed himself to be nailed to a cross where he died to pay the debt owed to God for all the sins of every human, including yours and mine. The apostle John wrote, “The next day John [the Baptist, not the apostle] saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).
The only thing God requires of us is to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior to be forgiven of our sins and gain eternal life with God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit one day. The apostle John also wrote, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son (John 3:16–18).
Peace Through Trials
On a Sunday morning in 1991, a couple named Bob and Sue, dear friends of mine, stood before their local congregation in Ohio. I was present when Bob told everyone he had been diagnosed with an inoperable, malignant tumor. The specialist told both Bob and Sue to put their affairs in order, because Bob had very little time left. At Bob and Sue’s request, the elders laid hands on Bob, anointed him with oil, and prayed for God to heal him. Bob and Sue knew God could heal Bob; but may not choose to do so. They both accepted God’s providence in the matter. Either Bob would be allowed to spend more time with his earthly ministry and family, or the Lord would call him home.
At Bob’s next medical examination, after the anointing, the doctor could find no sign of any tumor. The specialist was flabbergasted. Bob and Sue were not. Bob lived fourteen more years. And when the Lord called Bob home, he died of natural causes, not of a tumor. Bob and Sue had experienced peace through one of the worst human trials because they relied on the One who could do anything and would make the perfect eternal decision. Bob’s story reminds me of end of Hezekiah life (2 Kings 20:1-6).
Peace Through the Final Earthly Test
Scripture gives us numerous examples of miraculous healings, just like Bob. But these physical healings, while amazing, only last an earthly lifetime. Bob and Sue both understood this extension of life on earth was but a woefully pale comparison to the coming eternity. For those, like Bob and Sue, who believe the Bible is God’s eternal truth, our brief time on earth is only a dress rehearsal for eternity. And our human minds cannot fathom the glory and splendor that awaits us one day.
Keeping our earthly eyes focused on an eternity with God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit means absolutely nothing on earth can rob us of the peace that dwells within us. Have you noticed the difference between a funeral for a Christian and a funeral for a non-Christian? The loss of a loved one carries so much sorrow with it, whether the deceased is saved or lost. Yet, when I grieve the death of a loved one who is a Christian, my grief is for me, not for the loved one. The world is a lesser place for me because they are gone.
However, the grief is slightly lessened because I know the separation is temporary; we will be reunited. I have a biblical hope of a reunion, an assurance founded in eternity on God’s promises. I can’t wait to see Mom and Dad again. Knowing their spirits are in God’s hands makes heaven even better for me (I know this is purely human thinking). However, those who are grieving the loss of an unsaved soul suffer an eternal loss. Their sadness is inconsolable. Their grief is distinctly different, as those who have no hope because, in fact, they have no hope for the deceased.
A Peace the World Cannot Understand
Earlier I said peace and fear cannot co-exist. If you were to poll a significant number of people asking them to identify the top ten things they fear, beginning with the thing they fear the most; what do you think the most prevalent number one response would be? I believe “death” would be the overwhelming winner.
If I have no idea where I am going or what, if anything, comes after death; then the prospect of death will likely produce anxiety and fear. For believers, this current stage of life is preparation for the next, eternity with God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The person who believes in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior does not fear death, because death is not final; it is a temporary condition.
A Rendezvous With Death
Dad, who loves the Lord, was diagnosed with a virulent form of cancer a few years ago. I’ll never forget the first and only appointment Dad had with his oncologist. After a minute of pleasantries, the doctor said, “Nolan (my dad), I have bad news for you. You have cancer.”
“OK,” Dad replied.
“Nolan, this particular type of cancer is very aggressive,” the doctor continued.
“Really?” Dad said. He didn’t appear to be upset. Instead, he seemed calm, appearing almost nonchalant thought he wasn’t. These two could have been talking about the weather. It was obvious the doctor was caught off guard by Dad’s demeanor, but he continued, talking in some detail about Dad’s particular form of cancer and the specific chemotherapy regimen he recommended for treatment.
I had two questions for the doctor. What was the prognosis for life expectancy with the chemotherapy and without the chemotherapy? The doctor gave the same response to both questions, “Weeks or months but not years.” Then he asked Dad when he wanted to start the chemotherapy, urging sooner rather than later. Dad said he would have to get back with the doctor, who was thoroughly perplexed at this point. “Nolan, do you understand what I’m saying to you? You have a virulent form of cancer, and you are dying.”
“Yes. I’ll get back with you,” Dad said. Then we left the doctor’s office.
A Final Earthly Decision
“The doctor can’t do anything for me,” Dad said on the car ride back to the house. I agreed. Dad knew only God could change his circumstance. Dad told me he wasn’t taking any chemotherapy, and he was going to stay in his house until the Lord called him home. That’s exactly what he did. My brother, my sister, my wife, Susie (who is a retired registered nurse), and hospice took care of Dad until he died.
Mom and Dad had been married sixty-four years. She had significant health issues for many years. Their common prayer had been the Lord would take Mom home before Dad, so Dad could take care of Mom here on Earth. God granted their request. What the oncologist didn’t understand was Dad did not fear death. He knew who was in control. He was ready for the Lord to call him home. Dad knew what was next, where he was going, and that he would be with Mom again. Dad had a good life on Earth. He pointed quite a few souls to Jesus Christ. Dad’s demeanor in his final weeks showed his faith was rock solid. Those who saw him near the end knew it too. God was most gracious, as he usually is, and took Dad out on a high note.
God’s Peace Means Never Having to Say “Goodbye”
When Dad pastored a small congregation in a mining town in West Virginia, he also served as a mentor to a younger man, Gary, who wanted to be a pastor. After Dad visited with his oncologist, Gary showed up at dad’s house one day. I sat outside the bedroom door and listened as the two of them talked for several hours. One of the stories was about when Dad left that small congregation and Gary stepped in as the interim pastor. Fifty years later, Gary is still the “interim” pastor at that little church. Dad and Gary had a good laugh about that. They had many stories to tell each other, and both of them relished the moment, reminiscing as they recounted their numerous adventures together in Christ. It was one dear brother in Christ telling the other not “Goodbye” but rather “I’ll see you later.”
When Gary left, Dad took to his bed and never got out of it again. A couple of days later, Dad went to his eternal home. When my time comes, I want to finish the way Dad did, with rock-solid assurance that I loved the Lord, worked hard to impact the kingdom of heaven here on earth, and with a certain knowledge the best is yet to come.
Faith in Jesus Christ is our Source of Peace
Jesus told his followers, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe” (John 14:27-29).
My wife, who loves the Lord, says this is her favorite passage in Scripture. She understands the peace of Jesus, as much as humans are able. However, the world, meaning those who do not know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, simply cannot understand this attitude toward life on earth and death, as has been described in these few examples. How can they when they don’t believe in or are uncertain about eternity?
But for those who do believe, Jesus’s words are unambiguous, crystal clear. He said:
- “My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” Jesus gives an eternal peace; an unbreakable promise of a life after death so wonderful it defies description.
- Jesus said, “Do not be afraid. I am going away, and I am coming back to you.” Jesus told his followers he was going to die, be raised to new life, would go to heaven, and would come back to get those who love him.
- Jesus told these things to his followers before he died, was buried, resurrected, and ascended so that as each of these things occurred, everyone would believe in him more and more.
You Can Have Jesus’s Peace
You can have God’s peace through faith in Jesus Christ. If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, won’t you consider his promises to you? If so, may I suggest you read what God’s Word has to say about him? May I also suggest you start with the book of John, the fourth book in the New Testament.
- Peace on Earth is a wonderful thing.
- Eternity in heaven is far greater.
- Earlier I asked, “If you could choose any one gift and were guaranteed to receive that gift, what would it be?” What did you choose?
- The one gift I would choose is eternal life with Jesus Christ.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.