The Birth of Jesus….

Luke Chapter 2- “Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.’” (New American Standard Bible)

This is the story of the birth of Jesus Christ, about 2,000 years ago. He was born to Joseph and Mary in the city of Bethlehem, in Israel.  God could have announced His birth to the rulers of Rome, or the Jewish and religious leaders of the day, but instead He sent angels to tell shepherds about the birth of the Savior of the world. These shepherds were the everyday working-class people of that time. It was to the humble, average person that Jesus Christ came. The wealthy saw no need of Him. The religious and political leaders mostly rejected Him, leading to His crucifixion on the cross.

Peace among men with whom He is pleased-

When God sent a multitude of angels announcing “Glory to God”, He made the offer of peace among men, with the condition, “with whom He is pleased”.

Peace- that elusive feeling- rest in our hearts and minds- has been one of humanity’s problems for thousands of years.  Wars have upset the world, strife and civil conflicts plague countries.

Political unrest can torment whole nations. Even in the home there can be a lack of peace and tranquility as marital troubles, financial struggles, children’s problems, illness and death can turn a family upside down.

So many look for peace of mind in the many things this world offers- do this and you’ll have peace, meditate and you’ll have peace, this religion will give you peace- but ultimately, they are all a dead end. The methods of man will not bring true peace.

Where can we find peace?

God Himself is the source of all true peace. People may find temporary peace from war, from worry or fears, but true lasting peace is found in God Himself.

“On earth peace among men with whom He is pleased”. Here is God, through angels sent by Him from heaven, offering peace among men, with those whom He is pleased.  The offer is limited, not all will find peace in this world, unless we please Him. 

How can we please Him?

We are estranged from God, our creator. Our sin and our fallen nature have made a wall between God and us. We cannot find true peace apart from Him. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross and pay for my sin and your sin. Only through Jesus Christ’s death, taking our sins upon Himself and paying the penalty that we owed, can we be forgiven by God and united with Him in a new life. By receiving His Son Jesus Christ, we please Him. This is our entry into a life of peace.

The Bible says if we believe and receive Jesus Christ as our only hope, as our Savior and as our Lord (master) then we will have “peace with God” (Romans 5:1).

If you have peace with God and the peace of God, you will have strength to endure all of life’s struggles.  Peace that is beyond our understanding will guard your heart and mind.  

To truly experience the peace of God you must receive Jesus Christ. In so doing, you will begin to taste the peace that only God gives.