The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.” 

At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises: 

Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him. (Luke 2:12–14)

When I anticipate Christmas, my heart paints a soft-focus image. I’m standing shoulder-to-shoulder with other carolers on a frigid night beneath a twenty-five-foot lit Christmas tree, wrapping my mittened hands around a burning candle, singing about peace on Earth.

I sometimes think of this peace as a future event–lions and lambs snuggling together in the new Eden. Or as a warm-and-fuzzy blanket that descends from the heavens to wrap all of Creation in his serene presence on Christmas Eve.

Clearly I often miss the point. Maybe it’s because my favorite carols leave out the part where the experience of peace is for those “who please him.” Who are they who please him?

It’s impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him. –Hebrews 11:6

Christ offers his peace all year long to those who believe.

Thank you, Lord that whenever and wherever I present my humbled heart to you, believing you are who the angelic choir proclaimed you to be, the fullness of your peace floods my spirit. And where peace enters, fear departs. What a gift, all year long!

I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught. –John 14:27

 

{Today, all Scriptures quoted are from The Message Bible paraphrase.}