Advent Devotional - Day 17

Luke 2:14:  Peace among those favored by God

An informed discussion of “peace” will likely “blow” everyone’s mind. “Over a period of seventeen centuries the longest era without a major war involving two or more of the ‘great powers’ of that era lasted thirty-eight years, nine months and five days.” (It’s a Different World by Lyle E. Schaller, p. 36) We have now gone 73 years!

However, Jesus of Nazareth is not a friend of peace lovers. He says: “Oh the blessedness/leadership of the peace makers.” The world and religions strive/work for a peace of escape. Jesus gifts us with a surpassing covenant contentment within hardships. (Philippians 4:7)

The phrase from the KJV which is included on most Christmas cards from Luke 2:14 “Peace, good will toward men,” should be substituted with “peace among those favored by God” which older, more reliable manuscripts translate.

In II Corinthians 5:20 we are to be ambassadors (a form of Presbyterian!) for Christ reconciling the world back to God.

Jim Farrer, Honorably Retired