The Joy Of Christmas

Where were you when . . . the angels shouted for joy?

Job 38:4, 7 NIV

From 27 BC to AD 180, the Mediterranean world enjoyed what history calls Pax Romana—the Roman peace. It was a period of unprecedented peace and prosperity brought about by the dominant presence of the Roman Empire. Roads and aqueducts were built, cities were modernized, the rule of law brought stability, and religions were tolerated. Into Pax Romana the Prince of Peace was born.

Some might ask, “What need was there for a Prince of Peace when there was Roman peace throughout the land?” The peace of man is very different from the peace of God—the Pax Romana lasted only two hundred years. No wonder the angel who appeared to the shepherds said he was bringing “good tidings of great joy . . . to all people” (Luke 2:10).

The angels had been overjoyed once before when the Son of God, through whom all things were created, laid the foundations of the earth (Job 38:1–7). But now the same Son was coming to dwell upon the earth He created! The joy only the angels had known would now be a joy spread throughout the earth to all people. Have you experienced the peace of which the angel spoke?

While the peace of Rome has passed away, the peace of God endures forever.