Yahweh Shalom

"Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.'" Luke 2:13-14

Oh how desperately this world needs peace!!! The world's greatest need is peace with God which can only be obtained by faith in Jesus Christ! "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast (rejoice) in the hope of the glory of God." (Romans 5:1-2) Apart from God, there's no real peace! True peace is made possible by Yahweh Shalom ("The LORD is Peace") through Whom we've been reconciled to God! Jesus is our Peace/Prince of Peace. Peace is the result of having a personal relationship with God, of knowing we're eternally saved & forgiven because of Christ's finished work on the cross, and of Christ reigning in our lives as Lord of all. Peace with God leads to freedom (not to sin but) from sin and to serve God...to live for Him. We find perfect rest in Christ alone...when we surrender all to Him. There's no need to fear or worry...no matter what comes our way. God is with us & for us and that makes all the difference!

"How amazed the angels must have been when they saw the Creator born as a creature, the Word coming as a speechless baby. The best commentary on this is 2 Corinthians 8:9, and the best response from our hearts is wonder and worship. 'Great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh' (1 Tim. 3:16)" (Warren Wiersbe) Glory here (in verse 14) refers to praise to God. The promise of peace is not for everyone but for all who welcome and surrender to God's Son, Jesus Christ. God's redeemed children receive God's special grace/favor; God is pleased with them. Most Jews hoped for a Messiah who would deliver them (give them peace) from political oppression while others hoped for a Savior to deliver them from sickness or hardship. The angel announced the good news (the best news of all time) about the birth of the Messiah who came to save/deliver us from sin and death.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for making a way/being the Way for me to have peace with God! You are my Peace; I shall never be shaken. This world needs You. Please help me proclaim the good news of salvation with diligence and urgency. Glory to You forever and ever! Amen.