Well, it's that time of year, once again, when we will hear people saying, “Peace on earth and good will between men.”
This constant refrain is uttered by all sorts of people from all quarters at this time of year.
However, what's interesting is that many people don't know that this mangled quotation is actually a passage from the Bible. And even many Christians, sad to say, don't know what it really means.
People often chant this statement, “Peace on earth good will toward men” as a way of saying that we should have good will between our fellow humans during Christmas season. We should, so they imply, have “peace on earth” during this time.
Someone will robustly announce, “Peace on earth good will toward men," and all those around will smile and hug one another or pat each other on the backs showing their “good will” toward one another, and their desire for “peace.”
However, this sort of fabricated, momentary “peace” is not what the Bible was talking about when it recorded the words of the angles who said,
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men”—(Luke 2:14).
What was actually meant by the angels is obvious if one will take the time to see the context.
Their message was not “peace between men of good will” or even “peace and good will between men.”
Rather it was peace on earth and good will toward men from God for those who accept the babe in the manger.
This is a powerful statement about who Jesus Christ is. The passage shows that for all who accept this babe in the manger as God’s unique Son and as their Savior, there shall be peace on earth for them with God and there shall be good will toward them from God.
Note that it says, “Good will toward men” not “good will between men.” Actually, it is a peace between man and God, for it is through this babe in the manger that humans can have peace with God.
Not Empty Sentiment This is not simply a season of empty sentiment with a few days of “good will” and “peace” tossed in.
This is a good time to reflect on who Jesus Christ is and to decide if you want God’s peace and His good will toward you. If so, you must accept His unique (i.e., one and only) Son as your savior. No one else can give you peace with God. No one else can cause God to pour out His good will toward you. Only Jesus can do that.
The New international Version of the Bible does a good job of making this verse clear. It says:
“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests’” (Luke 2:13-14).
Thank you Dr. Ric for reminding us of what Christmas is all about. I might be one of those who havent been so keen to the very meaning of the phrase! I have always taken the two meanings: peace bween men and from God. But, now I am convinced to drop one of the meanings. And actually this Christmas I am preaching on this text, perhaps I send it to you as well if you are interested in reading. Blessings to you.—Pastor Gerson, BD (MUCo 2003), MTh (MUCo 2008), Now Student of PhD - Joensuu University, Finland (2008...)
Send comments about this, or any, Coffee Talk to Rick Walston at: CES - @ - ColumbiaSeminary.edu
(Please note that you will need to take out the spaces and hyphens before and after the @ sign . . . this is placed this way to avoid spam emails.)
