Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men! ” Most will recognize this verse as part of the nativity story, so commonly told (or acted out) in Christian families each Christmas. The words here were shared by angels who appeared to "shepherds abiding in a field, keeping watch over their flock by night." (Luke 2:8) This verse is among the most familiar passages in the Bible, though they are also among the least understood as well.
While the King James Version of this passage speaks of "peace" and "good will toward men," the Greek of this passage reads a bit differently and might more accurately be translated something like: "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace to those (on earth) whom He is pleased with" or those "whom He favors." In other words, the angels do not declare "peace on earth" and "good will toward all people." Rather, what they say is that certain people will have "peace" in their lives; specifically, those who accept Christ and thereby find "favor" with God.
Of course, the angels were not saying that God does not love non-Christians. However, the passage is saying that-in a world that is becoming increasingly chaotic and even wicked-there is peace in Christ, and only in Christ. The world offers no peace. Indeed, the world offers only confusion and chaos. Thus, the angels inform the shepherds that this new-born "Babe of Bethlehem" would be the one to resolve the issues of our chaotic world. He would be the source of peace; and that peace would come through accepting Christ, trusting Christ, and thereby finding favor with Christ here, and in the eternities.
The angels were addressing some humble first century shepherds but, by default, they were addressing every human that would ever live. Their declaration that fateful night was that peace had finally been made available to the word because the Messiah had finally come. Christ's birth is not the source of peace. Rather, looking to and trusting in Jesus is the source of peace. Many reject Him and don't have the peace He offers. But you and I know who He is and can trust Him to bring peace into our lives-even amid our darkest hours. As we trust Him, look to Him, and believe Him, we will have "peace on earth" and "favor with God." Could there be anything more precious in these perilous times?
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. ” In the book of Jeremiah, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking to the Israelites at a time of great despair. They were exiled, living in Babylon, far from their homeland. Jeremiah's words were meant to offer hope and assurance during this period of upheaval. His message was not just for their immediate comfort but also to give them a perspective of a hopeful future planned by God.
This passage in Jeremiah speaks directly to the heart of encouragement, especially in the face of uncertainty and difficulty. It's a reminder that even when our current circumstances seem bleak or disheartening, there is a broader plan for good, for hope, and for a future. This can be particularly resonant for us when we face our own periods of doubt or when our path seems unclear. It's a call to trust in a greater plan that we might not fully understand yet.
