Peace on Earth

In Luke 2:14, the angels celebrate the birth of Christ by singing “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When I was a kid, there often wasn’t peace at my house, even at Christmas time. My younger sister and I, having been through the divorce of our parents, and not knowing how to process it, constantly fought with each other. Our fighting put a lot of stress on our mother and took the peace out of our home. And my sister and I always thought that our mother took the side of the other one - in other words, we thought her favor rested on the other one.  

Luckily for us all, (not really luck but through God’s grace), the birth of Christ was the beginning of God’s plan that when carried out through Jesus’ death and resurrection would mean that we all are “those on whom his favor rests”. So, no matter what circumstances try to take away our peace, we have an everlasting peace that only comes through the love of Jesus. So there truly can be peace on earth, on Christmas and throughout the year.  

Reflect on God's Word

Here, the Apostle Peter teaches believers to live with compassion, humility, and integrity, responding to hostility with blessing, staying steadfast in doing good even when it leads to suffering, just as Christ suffered to bring us to God.

1 Peter 3:8 - 18 (MSG)

Take a Moment to Pray 

Dear God, 

Thank you for giving my family peace and especially for the closeness that has grown between my sister and me as we worship you together. May all families enjoy the peace that comes through the love of Jesus as we celebrate His birth. In His holy name we pray. Amen.

Listen to the Carol

Discover the lyrics of your favorite Christmas carols with fresh eyes. Join the vocal ensemble Chanticleer and sing along to their heartwarming rendition of "O Little Town of Bethlehem" from the album Chanticleer Sings Christmas.