Christmas – Peace, Goodwill Toward Men

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 'Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!'" (Luke 2:13-14)

For many people this is the busiest time of the year; shopping for the right Christmas gifts, then going to Christmas parties, making sure Christmas decorations are put up, and so on. The focus of the Christmas season seems to be on the festivities and various activities, and on all the preparations rather than on what the season is really about; as a result the joy of Christmas becomes a burden. Where is the peace when we are so stressed out about the expectations of the season? Is goodwill toward men driving the furor of the spirit of giving to others, or is it just what is expected at this time of the year?

How are we to embrace Christmas without getting sucked into the trappings of the commercialization of the season? We can begin by reminding ourselves why we celebrate Christmas in the first place. For many of us it is understood that it is about the miraculous virgin birth of Jesus Christ. Yet, sadly, for many others it has become a secondary thought as the Dec. 25 deadline approaches; secondary to getting our shopping done and preparing for the Christmas day meal with family and friends. Now, don't get me wrong I enjoy the Christmas festivities as much as the next person, but shouldn't our focus be on what gives meaning and purpose to all these activities at this time of the year?

At the time when Jesus was born in the manger to the virgin Mary, it was during a time when the people of Israel were suffering greatly under the oppressive hand of Caesar Augustus, and under the hypocrisy of the legalistic religious leaders of that day, who had substituted the commandments and ordinances of God for man-made rules and man-centered rituals. However, for a small number of people when Jesus came there was great excitement surrounding His miraculous birth, the birth of the Second Person of the Triune God, who had taken on Him the very nature of man; sent by God the Father to save sinners throughout world from their sins. We see this excitement and joy reflected in the verses that follow the song of praise to God by the heavenly host in Luke Chapter 2; by the shepherds in verse 20; by Simeon in verses 29-32; and Anna, a prophetess in verse 38.

When Jesus was born some 2,000 years ago, not many people rightly understood the true reason for the coming of the Messiah, who would deliver them and redeem them from the bondage of sin and its penalty (everlasting death and torment). Today, there ought to be even greater excitement in the birth of Jesus Christ, knowing by true faith that all that was promised by God in the Old Testament was fulfilled by Him. By His one atoning death on the cross Jesus obtained the forgiveness of sins and by His resurrection He secured life everlasting and eternal peace with God for sinners everywhere.

Won't you this day, come to Jesus Christ by true faith and repentance of your sins, looking to Him alone and His atoning work on the cross for the forgiveness of your sins, reconciliation with God, salvation, righteousness, and everlasting life? If you will, you will know the peace of God and understand God's gracious goodwill toward men; toward undeserving sinners, like you and me. Then, having come to Christ by true faith, you will be able to look back at His birth with great joy, knowing that in Him and Him alone is peace, peace with God, and personal peace, as you by faith rest in Him, our living hope; especially in these times of great anxiety and uneasiness. Only then, by the power of the Holy Spirit, will you eagerly express meaningful goodwill towards others in acts of kindness, in unconditional compassion; proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ, who came into this world and became for all of us, who are in Him by true faith alone, our Peace (Ephesians 2:14). Merry Christmas!

Rev. Richard Stetler, of Hartley, is the CEO and founder of Reformation Gospel Ministries. Visit http://www.reformationgospelministries.org for more information.