Maximizing the Meaning of ChristmasSample

The second Christmas carol I want us to consider is “Gloria in Excelsis Deo." This song’s inspiration is the angelic pronouncement to the shepherds.

In Luke 2, the monotony of the shepherds’ night is broken by this sudden angelic appearance. In verse 13, suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace with whom he is pleased!”

Glory to God in the highest—because heaven is where God resides. But in this Baby’s coming, something is happening on the earth. Not just in one nation, but on the earth. The whole earth.

In the King James version it reads, “and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

The single human cry the world over is for peace. If you’re looking for peace—internal peace, relational peace, marital peace—look no further than in this coming of Jesus Christ as a baby.

Why? Because this Baby went on to become the reconciling Savior of the world.

You can have peace with God today. Anyone coming from any time, place, religion, background, creed, or preference can find peace in Jesus. He is the equal opportunity peace giver. No longer do you need to live outside of peace. He’ll give you His peace.

He accomplished this peace once and for all at the height of His incarnation—His death and resurrection became the means of peace and life for you.