"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." Luke 2: 14 (NIV)
An elder of a church in Iowa shared this story with me.
His young daughter was concentrating so hard on her grade-school homework that he got curious and asked her what she was doing. Without looking up, she said, "I'm writing a report on the condition of the world and how to bring peace."
Impressed, he respectfully asked, "Isn't that a pretty big job for a young lady, like you?"
"Nope," she answered, "I don't have to do it all myself. I'm working with two other people."
Christmas is just around the corner, and the greeting cards arriving in the mail talk about "peace on earth and good will toward men".
I wish peace could be brought about by Christmas cards or three Christian students who are working on the project.
Sadly, that's not the case, is it?
Wars, hatred, and injustice abound. Peace, nationally and personally, are illusive. What's the problem? Maybe it's because there aren't three working together.
Obviously, God works for peace. So the people of the world might be redeemed He sent His Son to save us. So, God is one Person working for peace. SOME people in this world, having seen the Savior's sacrifice, are also working for peace. That's one-and-a-half.
The problem is the devil, along with many people who are filled with hatred, jealousy, anger, and prejudice; they're on the side of war and conflict.
This is why, in part, true "PEACE" in this sinful world, will always be confined to the hearts, minds, and souls of those folks who have seen and believe on the Savior.
We shouldn't be surprised. That's what the angels of Bethlehem said would happen: "...on earth peace to men on whom His (God's) favor rests."
From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"
THE PRAYER: Dear God, with the devil working against us, the battle for earthly peace is impossibly illusive. Still, with Jesus' birth, His life, death, and resurrection, I can be forgiven and given true peace. Send Your Holy Spirit so my faith might be strengthened. In His Name, I ask it. Amen.
In Christ I remain His servant and yours,
Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker emeritus of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries
Today's Bible Readings: Esther 1-2 Matthew 1 Luke 3
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