There are a lot of phrases or words that are associated with Christmas
Joy. Peace. Merry. Cheer.
One phrase that I've been pondering lately is "Peace on Earth"
The reason this line has become a Christmas slogan is because of something the angels said when they appeared to the shepherds near Bethlehem.
Luke 2:14 "Glory to God in the highest
and on earth peace, goodwill toward men"
I began to wonder what kind of peace Jesus brought to the Earth in His first coming.
He didn't bring peace between Israel and Rome, or the rest of the nations.
He didn't bring peace between person to person (Matt 10:34-35 Luke 12:51 - Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division.)
So what kind of peace did He bring?
He brought a peace that saved our everlasting souls
He made peace between God and man.
Colossians 1:19-20
For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.
Hallelujah!
Jesus bore my sins inside His body and became accursed so that I would not be cut off from God's presence. He tore the veil and made a way for me to approach the Father.
Peace.
But, Jesus wasn't finished there.
He does plan to bring peace on Earth.
In fact, there will be a day when there is peace among the nations and wars cease to exist.
Everyone loves to quote Isaiah 9 in the Christmas season, but most of this section is about Jesus' second coming!
Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
The people who walked in darkness
Have seen a great light;
Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death,
Upon them a light has shined...
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
There will be a day where Jesus sits on a real throne on Earth and rules over the nations.
On that day, His government and peace will know no end.
He will be the perfect leader. He will be the just judge. He will be our King of Kings.
I'm thankful that the Lord of hosts is zealous to be made one with His creation.
We wait for that day with expectancy.
Come Lord Jesus!
((Just wanted to let you guys in on something awesome for this advent season. Jake and I are doing an "advent calendar" where you read scripture about Christ's first and second coming every day. We're loving it! I have to be honest and say that I'm behind already, but it's been super edifying for us to go through together. You can find it here))
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