Beautifully Restored

Peace on Earth! Goodwill and good tidings towards men! These are common phrases uttered during the Christmas (or as the secular world likes to call it, Holiday) season.

This sounds like a good thing, right? Peace implies the absence of conflict – no war, no disturbance, no mental anguish. Peace implies utter tranquility. Imagine a world where there is no conflict – between men and even internally within ourselves. Sounds pretty awesome to me!

Should we wish Peace on Earth?? I think yes. But I also think that it goes deeper than simply wishing for the absence of conflict.

Peace on Earth is only possible through the presence of Jesus Christ. (There I go again, using that “Christ” word during the CHRISTmas season.) But in all seriousness, the only way that conflict ends is through Him.

Think about it.

Can you imagine a time in today’s world when war will truly end and the people of this planet will live in harmony? I’m not going to get into a debate about why our wars exist, but think about the conflicts that exist today – can they ever truly end? Take the Muslims and Christians… Do you ever see an end to their conflict? Do you see them holding hands and singing Kumbayah anytime in the future? I don’t – especially if they practice what their religions teach.

Can you imagine a time when there is true inner peace? Where mentally we are not putting ourselves down or telling off the driver who just cut us off? This one I can imagine, but it is difficult in execution. One must submit to the authority of Jesus Christ and turn their life over to Him for this to even be a possibility. He can provide inner peace.

Jesus tells us in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

How then is Peace on Earth possible through Christ?

This is going to sound a bit contradictory, but stick with me here. Even Jesus himself said in Matthew 10:34 and Luke 12:51 that He didn’t come to bring peace on earth, but rather the sword and division.

“Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Matthew 10:34

“Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division…” Luke 12:51

What does this mean? Well, when Jesus came to the earth over 2,000 years ago, He proclaimed to be the Christ, the Messiah. This claim has divided people since the day He laid down His life and was resurrected. People have been divided into those who believe that Jesus is the Christ and those who don’t.

So where does Peace on Earth come in if division exists?

Peace comes when Jesus returns to the earth to reign with His church. It comes after the world as we know it has been destroyed and Jesus takes His throne on earth. Believers and unbelievers will be separated and those who are followers of Christ will remain with Him. All conflict is removed and there is Peace on Earth.

Why did Jesus tell us these things? “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

So if you ask me if I wish for Peace on Earth, I will answer yes. I just want you to know why I answer yes.

Do you wish for Peace on Earth?? Why? What does it REALLY mean to you? Is it truly attainable?

If you ask me if I think Peace on Earth is truly attainable, I will answer yes. I know who Jesus claimed to be, who He is and who He will always be – my personal Lord and Savior.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

Thank You, God, for Jesus Christ. This is why I celebrate CHRISTmas!