Peace On Earth

Peace on Earth

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

Luke 2:13-14

To us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end.

Isaiah 9:6-7, ESV

Since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son.

Romans 5:10

When the angel appeared to the shepherds to tell them about the Savior born in Bethlehem, he was not alone. He brought an army with him. But it wasn’t an army of soldiers; it was an army of angels.

Usually when we think about an army, we think of war, not peace, right? But that night heaven began to invade earth, not to fight against us or destroy us, but to save us. Jesus didn’t come to destroy his enemies. He came to make them his friends. And whether we realize it or not, all of us, at one point, were God’s enemies. Left on our own, we fight against God.

But God has not left us on our own. Even though we have declared war on him deep in our hearts, he has declared peace on us. He has reached out to us, making the first move toward peace. God gives us the grace to overcome our natural resistance toward him so that we can experience peace with him. He gives us the faith to trust in him, making us one of “those with whom God is pleased.”

DISCUSSION STARTERS

What is the difference between a friend and an enemy?

In what way did Jesus bring peace on earth?

What are some evidences you see that people (including yourself) are naturally against God?