‘Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you’
Peace describes many things that countless number of people lack in their lives.
Silent night. Holy night… sleep in heavenly peace… Peace?! There’s no peace!!! Top news headlines tell the story. We read and see and hear it daily. But in contrast, the message of Christmas is Peace on Earth.
In fact, the message of the Bible is peace.
The angels declared, “Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, goodwill toward men!” What were the angels on about? Peace on earth… Peace.
Peace describes many things that countless number of people lack in their lives: harmonious relationships between people and nations. Peace also describes friendliness, freedom from attack, order, and a sense of rest and contentment.
So many hear and see Christmas, and in despair they say, “there’s no peace on earth.”
This reminds me of a song I heard which honestly pricks my heart every time I hear it: “I heard the bells on Christmas Day (Henry W. Longfellow). He wrote, “for hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, good will to men.”
The news headlines are disparaging. The reality of hate among people is too close to home. Yet despite all this, the message of Peace on Earth is still ringing through the air.
The scriptures are clear, “for it pleased the Father that in [Jesus] all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on Earth or things in heaven, having made Peace through the blood of His cross”. (Colossians 1:19-20).
He came for this purpose. “For He Himself is our Peace (our bond of unity and harmony). He has made us both [Jew and Gentile] one [body], and has broken down (destroyed and abolished) the hostile dividing wall between us” (Ephesians 2:14, Amplified).
His goal was sure. Jesus said, “peace I leave with you, my Peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). His words encouraged.
Poor Henry W. Longfellow struggled writing the lyrics to his song more than a century ago, but we understand every word. Like so many this time of year, his heart hurt with the despair, hatred, and horrors his eyes saw daily.
However, regardless of these things there was something unseen which nudged his writing:
“And the bells are ringing… Peace On Earth…
Like a choir, they’re singing… Peace On Earth…
In my heart I hear them… Peace On Earth…”
Pieter Bester
