On reading Luke 12 this morning my mind was taken back to the “Christmas story” in Luke 2 where we hear the proclamation of the heavenly host to the shepherds.
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward me”, was the cry (Luke 2 v 14).
The peace described here was peace toward men, or good will, from God; it was not describing peace on earth between men.
When Jesus came His mission was to complete a work of reconciliation between man and God; He would pay for the sin that was between man and God and bring them back into relationship.
This verse has nothing to do with peace on earth that Christmas cards portray and dodgy Christmas records (or mp3 downloads now) sing about.
Jesus confirmed this in Luke 12 v 51 by saying (and I paraphrase), “do not think that I came to bring peace on earth”.
If Jesus came to bring peace on earth then He failed spectacularly; there has never been peace on earth between men since He was born, there have always been wars and fighting.
He did succeed in His mission however, bringing reconciliation between man and God, in that He succeeded spectacularly.
We are now in relationship with God having been reconciled (2 Corinthians 5 v 18 and 19).
Good will, through the finished work of Jesus Christ, has flowed from heaven toward man and in that sense there is on earth peace.
Please do me a favour this Christmas, do not send any Christmas cards that say “peace on earth” (or with 3 wise men, oh, but that’s a DIG for another day).
Speak this out today…..”Thank you Lord that through the finished work of Jesus Christ I have been reconciled and can now be in relationship with you”.
Luke 12 v 51…..Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division
Heilan Word Ministries 
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