As I opened my holiday cards from family, friends and acquaintances this year, I was struck by one common theme.
A religious card from a minister and his wife featured a picture of Mary and Joseph on their way to Bethlehem. It says, "Christmas is a journey of the heart bringing peace and happiness to all."
A secular card from a TV producer and his wife had a picture of Christmas balls decorated with the flags of many different countries. It bore this greeting: "When the people of all the nations of the world understand each other, then we shall indeed have peace on earth."
Has peace become a convenient euphemism for Christmas, a word acceptable to all, offensive to none, and – gulp – politically correct?
Remember that familiar carol "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day"? My friend and Bible teacher, Kay Arthur, reminds us that the angel's words in Luke 2:14 have been loosely translated in that song. It isn't "Peace on earth good will toward Men." It is "Peace among men with whom He [God] is pleased."
The peace in the New Testament is not international. There is no promise of harmony between nations. We learn in Romans 16:20 that the world will not know final rest from war until the God of peace crushes Satan.
The world in which we live, the nation in which we live, is anything but peaceful. Look around. It's not simply the war against terrorism. There is little peace in the lives of men and women everywhere.
The peace of Christmas is about peace with God.
Jesus Christ was born so that we can be reconciled through Him. When we accept that gift, which is wrapped and waiting under the tree of Life, He promises to come in and dwell with us.
There can be no peace without God. His intervention is essential, for sin has so marred individuals and society that strife is our constant companion.
The peace of Christmas is not a mere absence of strife, but the active experience of a harmony with God that promotes total well-being regardless of circumstance.
I wish each and every one of you peace and joy this Christmas – the peace that only comes from following Jesus.