Peace on Earth

   I am enjoying the Christmas music we are hearing this month. The carols are so familiar we can sing them without thinking about the words. I challenge you to think about the words you sing. There is a lot of truth packed into them. 

   I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day was written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow during the Civil War.

I heard the bells on Christmas day

Their old familiar carols play

And mild and sweet their songs repeat

Of peace on Earth, good will to men

And in despair I bowed my head

"There is no peace on Earth, " I said

For hate is strong and mocks the song

Of peace on Earth, good will to men.

   The Civil War ended long ago but nothing has changed. War is raging in multiple places on the earth today. At Jesus birth the angels announced "Peace on earth, goodwill to men." That was two thousand years ago and wars have never stopped. Where is the peace on earth the angels said Jesus would bring?

    Jesus did come to earth to bring peace but it will not be a global peace as long as men rule the nations. Yet, Jesus does give us peace on earth. It's on an individual basis. 

Joy to the world, the Lord is come

Let Earth receive her King

Let every heart prepare Him room

And Heaven and nature sing

   Every heart that receives Jesus will have peace on earth and ultimate joy in heaven. We can have peace on earth here and now. It's not an impossible dream but a reality for everyone who receives Him in their hearts. 

Peace I leave with you,

My peace I give unto you.

Let not your heart be troubled,

Neither let it be afraid.

John 14:27