Peace On Earth? Here? Where?

    The world has been afraid that this was coming. When I was in Korea three years ago, it was interspersed as an impending dread in casual conversations. Now it has become a reality. North Korea, already possessors of nuclear weaponry, has now successfully sent a rocket into space, demonstrating it’s ability to send a nuclear payload to just about any part of the world. Several other countries have that capability, but none are as ill trusted as North Korea...not yet, anyway. Iran is on the way.
    International threats can cause a lot of anxiety and consternation. I was surprised by a survey of elementary school students released last year that their greatest fear outside of immediate family concerns, revolved around global threats.
    It’s always been that way. When I was a kid, we’d be given clear instructions in school about the location of the nearest nuclear shelters. A generation before me would practice regular “bomb drills” and the kids would race under their desks with sirens wailing outside. These fears go back to ancient times when children in the Roman Empire were taught that being bad would bring the wrath of Hannibal (Rome’s most formidable enemy) upon them.
    When Jesus came to the planet 2,000 years ago, the world was growing weary of promises for peace. The “pax Romana” (peace of Rome) was the promise of Rome, but that facade of peace was propped in place by brutal and bloodthirsty legions and caesars.
    It was in this context, and to a people long oppressed by ruthless foreign powers, that the angels appeared on a tranquil field in the quiet of night and announced that, “peace on earth,” was being made available through a baby being born just then.
    Yet here we are, in the midst of terrorism, hatred, threats of bombings, shootings, and even nuclear holocaust, about to celebrate the supposed anniversary of that announcement. Maybe like the author of, “I Heard The Bells,” you respond with a smirk, “Really? When?” 

“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 goodwill to men.”

    The angels announcement to the shepherds that night was not a promise of immediate relief of this world’s dreaded monsters. But it was a promise to be fulfilled by the one who was born that night. Jesus made it clear that before there would be peace, war would be a reality. God has suffered long with sin and his mercy has held back his justice, for the sake of those who are yet to respond to his offer of salvation. But God’s justice, which was satisfied in the death of Jesus, will prevail and the peace that ensues will someday become a reality. That Christmas carol continues…

“Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:

‘God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;

The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,

With peace on earth, good will to men.’”

    Yes, North Korea has successfully launched a rocket into space. It’s true, entire nations of people hate us and everything about us. And yes, even in our own midst, sin often prevails and violence and injustice reign. But all of that is so very temporary. We have reason to rejoice this Christmas. For us, this is a celebration of the beginning of the end. Jesus came to defeat sin, to conquer death, to destroy violence...to provide for our eternal peace. And if you will receive him by faith, that peace starts now, in your heart and in your life.