Luke 2:8-14 (NKJV)
(Click here to read the full passage.)
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
It was October of 1962 and the United States and Russia were in a state of crisis. History.com recounts:(1)
It was in this month of conflict and fear that songwriters Gloria Shayne Baker and Noel Regney penned the song "Do You Hear What I Hear?". When Regney first received the request to write a Christmas song, he resisted out of disgust for the commercialism of the season. However, he and Gloria eventually saw this song as an opportunity to plead for peace in the midst of national tension and "the threat of a nuclear war" (2). It comes as no surprise that this plea for peace resounded in the hearts of listeners nation-wide and sold more than 250,000 copies in its first season. (2)
The Cuban Missile Crisis might be over, but the song continues to speak to people around the world, receiving millions of sales and streams to this day. Regardless of political climates and crises that we may or may not face, the desire for peace remains the same. We all long for peace in the midst of chaos... Peace with others, peace within ourselves and peace with God.
That's what makes the Good News of Jesus' arrival truly good news. With excitement and splendour the angels announced to the shepherds this long-awaited arrival of the Prince of Peace: "[...]I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. [...] Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" (3) (emphasis added).
In Jesus, we have true peace that goes beyond circumstances and political climates. He is the King of Kings, greater than any ruler or political leader. He is the Prince of Peace, the way to find true peace with ourselves, with others, and most importantly, with God.
This Christmas, let’s celebrate the grandeur and glory of Jesus, the Prince of Peace and King of Kings, even as we celebrate His humble beginning on Earth.
COMMENT BELOW: What is your favourite part of the Christmas story?