Peace on Earth

“There was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:13-14

Do you believe that the “favor” of God rests on you? As we start the Christmas season, do you feel the peace of God? If not, why?

It is so easy to get caught up in the cultural norms surrounding Christmas: shopping, parties, cookie baking, school concerts, and church pageants, etc. Many of these activities are supposed to make us feel peace, love, and blessings, but often times we are left feeling exhausted, hung-over, and broke. 

According to the Gospel above, at the birth of Christ, heaven greeted humanity with a wish for peace on earth “to those on whom his favor rests.” Well who are those lucky people? Who get’s the “favor”? We all do! In Ephesians 2:14-15, the Apostle Paul explained this peace in Christ, declaring that we are all “one” in Him. “For he [Christ] is our peace, he who made both one and broke down the dividing wall of enmity, through his flesh, abolishing the law with its commandments and legal claims, that he might create in himself one new person in place of the two, thus establishing peace.” Paul wrote about this concept of humanity all being “one” through Christ many times in his letters to the early Church. When Christ was born on earth, his appearance on the planet brought a new consciousness of favor that was, and is still, available to everyone. All we need to do is look for it.

So what is “favor”? Webster’s dictionary has several different definitions of the word favor, among them: “approving consideration;” “gracious kindness;” and “a token of love.” These are the types of blessings that heaven gave to us when Christ entered the world. The blessings of approval, kindness, and love fill us with true peace. 

Today, as we go through our busy lives planning for the Christmas season, let’s look for where we can give approval, kindness and love to our fellow humans. A positive word, a smile, or a kind gesture can go a long way to spreading Christmas peace. By sharing “favor” with the people you encounter today, you will certainly feel more peace inside your own heart.