Suddenly a vast, heavenly army appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among people with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:13-14, NET)
As I read those words, I was thinking about my pastor’s message last Sunday. He talked about how the peace Jesus came to bring is different from the peace people often seek.
With a vast heavenly army appearing, the shepherds might have thought that they came to wipe out Roman oppression.
A scarier thought might have been that the angels came to wipe out the shepherds themselves. God’s glory tends to reveal to us our own sinfulness.
But instead, this army proclaims peace, not just to the shepherds, not just to the Jews, but to all people. (Luke 2:10)
But again, what kind of peace?
Peace with God.
A peace where he breaks into our lives and says, “You don’t have to be afraid of me anymore because of your sin. My Son came to pay the price for your sin.
“And now, my favor is on you. Just as it was on Elizabeth (Luke 1:25). Just like it was on Mary (Luke 1:28-30). My favor rests on you.”
That’s something to treasure in your heart and meditate on. (Luke 2:19)
Moment to Moment (Bible blog) 