Peace!

Peace!

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Luke 2:14 KJV

It's hard to know where to begin, but as it has been pointed out several times over the last few days, the plan of salvation that was made manifest at Christmas had been laid out since before the Garden of Eden. It wasn't an afterthought; something God would put down as an accidental plan. 

It was a plan laid out by God since before the foundation of the world, revealed at Eden and at other times to the prophets of old, brought to flesh in Bethlehem, brought full circle at Calvary and then on a daily basis, lived out in the lives of all who have accepted Him as Lord and Saviour, and its full expression will be seen in eternity. That is the plan that is being spoken about in today's extract. 

And the message of this birth, as confirmed by the angel who brought the news to the shepherds, is the story of Christmas, and the basis of our joy. Imagine the great news of the birth, and the first to hear would be shepherds camped out at night, watching over sheep. This has to be a testament to the fact that the birth is a gift to ALL men irrespective of age, gender or race. This news seals the hope of man and guarantees his eternal salvation. 

Heaven must have been in awe of God's son coming down to earth that the host had to come down and sing. Heaven knew the person, power and prestige of the Son of God, having served Him, so His coming to earth had to be something special. It is no wonder that the host of heaven sang the song in today's extract, speaking about peace and goodwill being made available to all men. Heaven had just witnessed the whole earth receiving the kind of peace only God can provide.

This gift was called the Prince of peace in Isaiah. Heaven knew what the earth was getting, which informed the song the heavenly host sang. If there was ever any doubt as to what the son had come to do, read his own words, just before He died on the cross: Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27 KJV. The earth received peace; not the type that is secured by superior weapons, but by a personal relationship with the Prince of peace. 

Just as the angels sang then, so do I also sing in praise and gratitude for all I have recieved. Earth received His peace; have I accepted His peace? The gift of life is offered for free; what would be my response? Heaven has testified of the good things the earth has received; would my life be a visible and audible testimony to this great gift? Remember, eternity is at stake here. What I do with the Son becomes the basis of judgment. It is peace and goodwill now; a time is coming when it will be judgment and eternal death for all who reject the Son. Now you know; what will you do? His time of favour is here.