Peace On Earth
2003 Advent Devotional Collection
Tuesday, December 2
Readings for Today: Luke 2:14 & Chapter 23 of the Devotional Book
When Jesus Came, by Handel H. Brown
"Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is well pleased." Luke 2:14
The message which came that first Christmas was “Peace on earth among men with whom He is ‘well pleased.’” We have no right to lift “Peace on Earth” out of context. God is “well pleased” with those who see His hand in the passing events of time. He is “well pleased” with those who put him first in all things. To them He sends His gift of peace. The gift is never divorced from the giver. To have peace, you must have the Prince of Peace.
The essential thing about the glad Christmas season is not what happens outwardly, but what we experience inwardly. There cannot be “peace on earth” in the sense of freedom from war, fear, oppression, and exploitation until there is “peace among men.” There will never be “peace among men” until they are “men with whom He is well pleased.”
The angels do not offer a do-it-yourself gimmick for those
who are handy with the tools of self-improvement. Peace is not the achievement
of man. It is the gift of God.
Thank you, God, for your “many gifts” to us. May we use them wisely.
Prayer for Today:
Lord God Almighty, you have made all the peoples of the earth for your
glory, to serve you in freedom and in peace. Give to the people of our
country a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that we may
use our liberty in accordance with your gracious will; through Jesus Christ
our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Harold K.
Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
(217) 428-4336