Even though it has been many years since I stood in the Shepherd’s Field near Bethlehem and read Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus, it is as fresh in my mind as if it was only yesterday. I read the words of the angel of the Lord, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord.” I read the words of the multitude of angels who said, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace, good will toward men.”
An old professor in Bible College told us that preachers needed to learn how to use their “sanctified imagination”. That day out in the Shepherd’s Field I did just that. I imagined what it must have been like for those shepherds when the sky lit up with the glory of the lord when the angel of the Lord appeared. I imagined the fear they felt when they first saw him. I imagined the relief they felt when the angel said, “Fear not”, and gave them a message of “Good Tidings.”
Then my imagination really kicked into gear. I thought on the message of the multitude of angels, “Peace on earth, good will towards men.”
Peace on Earth?
- In the words of Longfellow’s, “There is no peace on earth.” The fall of man and the malicious attacks of Satan causes so much chaos that peace could hardly exist.
- Yet, Isaiah the prophet prophesied the coming of Christ 700 years before His birth and called Him the Prince of Peace.
- Peace on earth will only come when the Prince of Peace returns to reign on the Throne of David. Satan will be bound and the earth will enjoy a golden age of Peace on earth.
- In the meantime being justified by faith we can have peace with God.
- When we pray and make our requests known to God, the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds.
- Jesus does more than give us peace – He is our peace!
This is my message from the Shepherd’s Field: “In the midst of a world in turmoil, strife, war, and confusion, you can enjoy a peace that passes all understanding by inviting Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, to reign in your life!”