27th December 2024

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

Theme: PEACE AND GOODWILL TO ALL MEN

THEME SCRIPTURE: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men." Luke 2:14 KJV

PREPARATORY QUESTION

1. How is the world going to realize global peace?

The first intergovernmental organization established to promote international cooperation and achieve global peace and security was the League of Nations. The idea of the League was grounded in the broad, international revulsion against the unprecedented destruction of the First World War, and the contemporary understanding of its origin. The League, which began in 1920 and survived until 1948, failed to guarantee global peace for several reasons, including its lack of military might. Other efforts to achieve the peace the world needs have followed, including the United Nations, and to date, peace seems elusive to the world.

The search for peace has been with mankind since time immemorial.

The thinking has been that if one nation can conquer all and bring all under one, there will be peace. Hence, war has been man's pathway towards peace. Interestingly, when Christ was born in Bethlehem, while shepherds watched their flocks in the night, an angel brought them the good news. A host of angels appeared and began to sing, saying, "Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace, and goodwill to the sons of men." Why this profound statement from the angels? Are the angels signifying that the birth of Christ has brought peace to the world? If so, where is the peace because the world doesn't seem to be peaceful?

The children of Israel have always greeted one another with the word 'shalom' which means peace. The most important need of the world and individuals throughout the ages is peace.

When Christ was born, it was not that the world had arrived at a place of peace or all men were going to experience peace automatically.

Rather, the angels were saying that the Prince of Peace [the one who is the embodiment of peace] had been born for all men who seek true peace. Not only is Jesus the Prince of Peace, but also the true Reconciler.

He came, so that man could be reconciled with God. It is only when we are reconciled to God that we can begin to experience the peace which surpasses understanding.

Precious One, we need to make peace, first of all, with God. That’s where peace begins. We may be running because we are afraid of God. “Fear not,” the angel says. We need only stand still and let Him catch us. We may simply be caught up in our own busyness as the innkeeper was.

God has dealt with our sin and His grace is sufficient. We can come home. We belong to Him. Whatever we have done, we can come home and be reconciled.

Beloved, in this festive season, we also need to make peace with our neighbor.  We are called to reconciliation in families, between husbands and wives, between parents and children. Yeah, we are called to reconciliation between employer and employee, between the borrower and the lender.

Until a man is reconciled to his Maker, he cannot be reconciled with his fellow man. Until a man is at peace with God, he can't be at peace with himself and also his neighbor.

Peace and goodwill are come to all men. May we embrace this peace and goodwill which Christ alone gives.

Remain blessed.

FURTHER READING: Luke 2:14-20

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

QUESTION TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD

1. How peaceful are you with your Maker?

2. Do you have a neighbor you have to reconcile with?

PRAYER

Eternal Father, I reaffirm that through Jesus Christ, I am reconciled to You. My Savior, who is the Christ has been wounded for all my transgressions. My Lord has been bruised for all my iniquities. The chastisement and the price I had to pay for my peace with God has been laid upon Him. I chose to be at peace with my neighbors going forward, in Jesus' precious name. Hallelujah!

ONE-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Job 39,  Malachi 1,  Revelation 17,  Revelation 18