Peace on Earth

By Gabriella Burns

“Peace on Earth” is a phrase mentioned a lot around Christmas time. After all, Luke 2:13-14 states, “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!’

” Let us fast forward to Jesus’ adult life when He says, “‘Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword’” (Matthew 10:34).

Wait a sec…isn’t that contradictory with the previous verse? No, it is not. Jesus did not come to Earth bringing a peace that causes everyone to get along and for there to be no wars. Indeed, the following verses in Matthew 10 describe how families will be divided because of the Gospel. It’s also important to note that the verse from Luke mentioned earlier tells of the peace God gives to “those with whom He is pleased.

” The peace Jesus gives us is a peace that we have in our hearts when we believe in Christ and trust Him. We may still have trials, though. “‘I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world’” (John 16:33). This verse notes that there will still be troubles on Earth, but believers have peace because of Jesus, a peace that will give them rest.

Philippians 4:7 states: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” As impossible as peace may seem at certain times, it is not impossible for God. Ask God for peace, and the results may surprise you! After all, God’s peace “surpasses all understanding.”