Peace on earth? Good will to men?

December 12, 2012          

“Glory to God in the highest,
            and on earth peace, good will among men.”

Luke 2:14

I want to tell you about a problem I have when it comes to the traditional reading of the biblical Christmas story. On the surface, it seems like such a small issue. But when you really think about it, it’s pretty significant. 

Traditionally, the Christmas story tells us in Luke 2:14 that the angels sang at the birth of Jesus, “…and on earth peace, good will among men.” That verse sounds good, and that’s probably how most people remember this verse. But the problem is, if that’s what the angels said, they were wrong. Jesus didn’t set up universal peace on earth. And, there’s still a lot of not-so-goodwill toward men!

Well, as you can imagine, I don’t think the angels were wrong. But I do think that verse has been misread for many years. You see, if you really study what the angels sang that night, you’ll discover a much better translation of their song is “peace on earth among men of good favor.” That is, “peace on earth to men upon whom God has favor.”

Do you see the difference? Those who’ve experienced God’s grace are the only ones who truly experience the peace of Christmas. It’s not a peace that does away with conflict, but a peace that exists despite conflict. And if you’re in Christ, that’s the peace you have today!

GOD’S PEACE IS ONLY FOR THOSE WHO HAVE FAITH IN HIM. TRUST HIM, RECEIVE HIS FAVOR, AND YOU’LL EXPERIENCE THE PEACE OF CHRISTMAS!
 


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Dear Friend,

While many pastors shy away from addressing controversial issues, I sincerely believe you need to hear straight, “bulls-eye” biblical teaching on many of today’s hot topics. Not only to grow in your faith as a believer, but to give winsome, compassionate answers to the hard questions our culture is asking.

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Jack Graham
PowerPoint Ministries