Peace on Earth

In my readings today, I came across this Advent theme of "peace on earth". It seems like peace evades so many people. We live in a time where darkness seems all around us. Yet, we must cling to this person of peace no matter what may be occurring. The prophet Isaiah, some 700 years before Jesus' coming proclaimed in Isaiah 9:6-7a,
"6 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
7 There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace..."

In Jesus we have the prince of peace. The one whose life brings a settled faith in God as the ultimate ruler and judge, and who is full of life and peace for those who are willing to cling to him.

In Luke 1, the Advent story begins with Zechariah, a priest, who was visited by the angel and the birth of John the Baptist who would be the "forerunner" of Jesus is declared. Later, when John is born, his father exclaims in Luke 1:76-79 (NASB)
76 "And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; For you will go on BEFORE THE Lord TO PREPARE HIS WAYS;
77 To give to His people the knowledge of salvation By the forgiveness of their sins,
78 Because of the tender mercy of our God, With which the Sunrise from on high will visit us,
79 TO SHINE UPON THOSE WHO SIT IN DARKNESS AND THE SHADOW OF DEATH, To guide our feet into the way of peace."

John's life serves as a model for life in Christ for us. We also have the privilege of sharing the good news of Jesus. To give to others the knowledge of salvation, by way of the forgiveness of their sins, because God is tender in his mercies. This he does to those sitting in darkness, even in the shadow of death. All around us is a world that is thirsty for peace. People who are desperate for inward peace. Who have filled their souls with many things, except for the one thing that brings real peace - Jesus.

Later the angels come to announce the birth of Jesus to the shepherds and they proclaim in Luke 2:14 (NASB)
14 "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."

God is pleased to grant to us peace, let's receive it with faith and trust in the one who is real peace.